Hair Loss and Anemia

Hair loss often signals a variety of medical problems.

There are three types of anemia concerned with hair loss

Iron deficiency Anemia
copper deficiency anemia
Pernicious Anemia

Iron deficiency Anemia

The most common form of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency is believed to be relatively common of telogen effluvium type of hair loss. It is suggested that women in particular are susceptible to iron deficiency due to the regular loss of iron rich blood during menstruation.

Chronic iron deficiency leads to the following

Rapid hair loss
Weight loss
Pale appearance
Spoon shaped nails
Depression
Change of hair color to a lighter shade
Excessive dryness of hair

Causes

Vitamin C deficiency , which can also lead to an iron deficiency
Heavy consumption of caffeine rich tea and coffee since caffeine reduces the net availability of iron supplied through food.
Alcohol abuse also reduces the availability of iron in the body .Even slightly low levels of iron can cause diffuse hair loss.

Sources

Rice, bread, broccoli and beans. Vitamin C is required for good absorption.

Copper deficiency anemia

Anemia due to copper deficiency, known as copper deficiency anemia

Copper besides acting as catalyst in oxidation of hydrogen and the formation of melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color), is also needed to release iron stored in liver, for intestinal absorption of iron into the hemoglobin.

Sources

Mushrooms, grains, nuts, beans.

Pernicious Anemia

Anemia due to deficiency of Vitamin B12, known as Pernicious Anemia

This is less common, generally affects people over 40 and results due to Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Symptoms

Rapid hair loss
Weight loss
Change of hair color
Dryness of hair
Sore tongue
Nosebleeds
Loss of appetite
Weight loss and diffuse hair loss

Sources

dairy products
yeast extracts

Also if you feel that the texture of your hair has changed and if you feel excessive hair fall do consult a Trichologist.

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