As we get older, it’s not uncommon to see a little more hair falling out, or collecting in the drain or hairbrush. A quick Google search may lead you to suspect that iron deficiency is the culprit. After all, hair loss can be a sign of iron deficiency and/or anemia, both of which are more common in older people. (Other common symptoms of anemia include fatigue and pale gums.)
However, before you self-prescribe an iron supplement, it’s important to examine some common misconceptions about anemia, its causes and treatments.
Anemia Is Not Always About Nutrition
Anemia is not a single condition but a collection of related conditions, with a wide variety of causes. According to research published in American Family Physician, only about a third of anemia cases in older adults are caused by nutrient deficiencies. Other causes include kidney or liver disease, blood loss or bone marrow disease.
And It May Not Be About Iron
Although iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, a lack of folate (which we get mostly from vegetables, and foods made with fortified flour) or vitamin B12 (which we get mostly from animal foods) can also result in anemia.
Taking the Wrong Supplement Can Do More Harm than Good
Taking iron if you’re not actually low in iron can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients, and cause other deficiencies or imbalances. Likewise, taking folic acid supplements when you’re actually deficient in vitamin B12 can make a B12 deficiency harder to detect — and more dangerous. And taking B12 supplements won’t help at all if you’re lacking in “intrinsic factor,” a protein needed for the absorption of B12. (Levels of intrinsic factor decline with age.)
So if you suspect you might be anemic (due to hair loss, fatigue or any other symptom) don’t head for the vitamin aisle. Instead, head to the doctor.
A simple blood test can reveal whether or not you’re anemic. And, by looking at the size and shape of your blood cells under a microscope, your doctor can also determine whether your anemia is caused by an iron deficiency, a B vitamin deficiency, or some other cause.
(For instance, if you’re low in iron, your red blood cells may be smaller than usual. But if you’re suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency, your red blood cells may appear abnormally large.)
The good news is that anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency can usually be easily fixed — but only when the true cause has been correctly identified. Your doctor will also be able to advise you on the best form of nutrients and the correct dosage. They may suggest a slow-release form of iron to minimize the risk of unpleasant side effects (including constipation). Or, they may prescribe oral B12 drops or even give you a vitamin B12 injection rather than a pill. And if it turns out your anemia or hair loss is due to some other condition, that’s equally important to know.
