Iron Deficiency and Nonscarring Alopecia in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> There is no clear-cut evidence in the existing medical literature of an association between iron deficiency and nonscarring alopecia. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the medical literature on the prevalence of iron deficiency in women with nonscarring alopecia and compare their ferritin levels with those of women without this condition. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched between June 15, 2019, and July 24, 2019. Studies that evaluated the prevalence of iron deficiency in women with nonscarring alopecia and/or compared ferritin levels in women with and without this condition were entered into the meta-analysis. Thirty-six of 928 identified studies entered the systematic meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects method. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The overall number of participants was 10,029. The prevalence of ferritin levels from 10 to 15 ng/dL and below was 21% (12; 29). Women with nonscarring alopecia had lower ferritin values at MD = −18.51 ng/dL (−25.85; −11.16, <i>p</i> < 0.01). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Women with hair loss can benefit from higher ferritin levels.

Association of Low Serum Ferritin Levels in Patients Having Alopecia Areata: A Case Control Study

“…This may be attributed to the fact that in our population, patients tend to seek medical attention at a later stage, after trying various home remedies without success. A large meta-analysis done which included studies from countries all over the world also demonstrated a strong relationship between iron deficiency and non-scarring hair loss in women 17 . In our study we did not find any noteworthy difference in the serum ferritin levels between the males and females.…”

Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update

“…Lower serum levels of vitamin D and ferritin have been observed in patients with non-cicatricial alopecias compared to the healthy population. 50 , 51 Nevertheless, there is yet no evidence of FPHL improvement with the supplementation of these substances. There is also no evidence of the benefit of biotin and zinc supplementation in healthy patients with FPHL.…”

Serum Ferritin Levels: A Clinical Guide in Patients With Hair Loss

“…40 Low serum ferritin (<40 μg/L) with concurrent symptoms of iron deficiency, including fatigue, pallor, dyspnea on exertion, or hair loss, should prompt treatment with supplemental iron. [41][42][43] Generally, ferrous (Fe2 + ) salts are preferred to ferric (Fe3 + ) salts, as the former is more readily absorbed through the duodenal mucosa 44 and is the more common formulation in commercially available supplements in the United States. 45 Oral supplementation with ferrous sulfate 325 mg (65 mg elemental iron) tablets is the first-line therapy for iron deficiency anemia.…”