Hair
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
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
Symptoms
- 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.
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.