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Iron deficiency
Hello,
Recently i lost 8 kgs weight through gym in 3 months.
I was experiencing a lot more hairfall and widening of hairline at front while combing.
So got the tests done.
Hb was : 11.1
Rbc count : 3.62
Serum iron : 38
UIBC: 260.05
TIBC : 298
Transferrin : 208.63
Iron saturation % : 12.83
Ferritin : 22.4
Vitamin D3 : 67
B12 : 202
What should I do? Is the hairfall because of iron or the weight loss?
Answers (13)
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`Hello! Thank you for sharing your reports.`
`From what I see:`
`1. Your Hb, Serum Iron, Ferritin and Iron Saturation are low. This suggests iron deficiency.`
`2. Your B12 is on the lower side too.`
`3. Rapid 8kg weight loss can also trigger hairfall. This is called telogen effluvium and is usually temporary.`
`Hairfall is most likely due to a combination of iron deficiency + weight loss + low B12.`
`My advice:`
`1. Please consult a doctor or physician with these reports. They may recommend iron supplements, B12 supplements, and check for thyroid/PCOS.`
`2. Add iron-rich foods like dal, palak, rajma, chana, jaggery with lemon. Also add protein - paneer, eggs, sprouts for hair.`
`3. Be patient. Once nutrition improves and weight stabilizes, hairfall usually reduces in 3-4 months.`
`Don’t start any supplements on your own. A doctor will guide the right dose for you.`
`Hope this helps 💛`
You can connect me through practo for diet consultation.
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Need some more information about this . Kindly connect
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Looking at your reports, I feel the hair fall is likely due to a combination of rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies rather than iron alone. Your iron stores (low iron saturation and ferritin) are not optimal for healthy hair growth, and losing 8 kg in 3 months can also trigger temporary hair shedding, especially if protein and overall calorie intake were inadequate. I would recommend reviewing your diet, ensuring adequate protein intake, correcting iron and B12 deficiencies, and avoiding further aggressive weight loss. Hair recovery usually takes a few months once these factors are addressed.
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Hello, please connect me through practo app, so that we can look into correcting your micronutrient deficiencies and improvise your nutrient profile.
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Ask via app
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You might have reduced weight with a crash diet, so definitely deficiency in blood components can be seen as a result.
Want to know a few important things about your daily routine food intake and physical activity
Next Steps
you can book an appointment with me through practo practice https://www.practo.com/ghaziabad/doctor/dr-dt-archna-gupta-dietitian-nutritionist
Health Tips
eat high protein High fiber diet with 4 katori veg
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Please ask me directly for personalized diet plan for you.
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Hair Fall Due to Nutritional Deficiency :
* Eat 3 balanced meals + 2 healthy snacks daily.
* Include protein in every meal (dal, sprouts, paneer, tofu, eggs, chicken, fish).
* Eat iron-rich foods daily (green leafy vegetables, legumes, sesame seeds, dates, lean meat).
* Add vitamin C (amla, lemon, orange, guava) with iron-rich meals.
* Include B12, vitamin D, and zinc-rich foods regularly.
* Eat nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds).
* Drink 2.5–3 L water daily.
* Avoid crash diets, skipping meals, junk food, and excess sugar.
* Keep tea/coffee 1–2 hours away from iron-rich meals.
* Sleep 7–8 hours and manage stress.
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Good afternoon it's due to nutritional deficiencies. Pls connect directly through practo app.
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Ms. Dt. Romiya Banerjee
Dietitian/Nutritionist
12 yrs exp
Mumbai
Rapid 8 kg weight loss in 3 months + low iron + low B12 can all increase hair shedding. Front widening needs dermatologist check too.
Next Steps
Discuss with your doctor.
Health Tips
Avoid very low calorie diet, include strength + adequate rest.
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Ms. Nidhi Gupta
Dietitian/Nutritionist
3 yrs exp
Pathankot
Weight loss is because of heavy workout due to which your body is undergoing wear and tears follow a proper meal plan in order to recover your body properly
Next Steps
Consult for a proper diet plan
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Ms. Durdana Ansari
Dietitian/Nutritionist
4 yrs exp
Mumbai
Thank you for sharing your reports. Based on the information you've provided, your hair fall is likely due to a combination of rapid weight loss and nutrient deficiencies, rather than a single cause.
Your reports suggest iron deficiency (low hemoglobin, low serum iron, low iron saturation, and ferritin of 22.4 ng/mL). Even though your ferritin is within some laboratory reference ranges, it may not be optimal for healthy hair growth. Your vitamin B12 level (202 pg/mL) is also on the lower side and could contribute to hair fall, fatigue, and poor hair health.
My recommendations would be :-
● Increase your daily protein intake to around 1.2–1.6 g/kg body weight, depending on your activity level.
● Include iron-rich foods such as lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, soy products, green leafy vegetables, dates, raisins, and jaggery. Pair them with vitamin C-rich foods like lemon, oranges, amla, or guava to improve iron absorption.
● Avoid tea or coffee for at least 1–2 hours before and after iron-rich meals, as they reduce iron absorption.
● Since your B12 is low-normal, increase B12-rich foods (milk, curd, eggs, fish, meat, fortified cereals), and discuss B12 supplementation with your doctor if needed.
● Continue resistance training, but avoid an overly aggressive calorie deficit. Aim for gradual weight loss if you are still trying to lose weight.
Health Tips
Consult your physician regarding iron supplementation, as your blood reports suggest deficiency.
Hair regrowth takes time. Once iron levels, B12, protein intake, and overall nutrition improve, hair shedding often starts to reduce over the next 2–4 months, with noticeable regrowth taking several more months.
If the hair fall is severe, patchy, or continues despite correcting these deficiencies, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist to rule out other causes such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, or scalp conditions.
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Ms. Somya Jain
Dietitian/Nutritionist
9 yrs exp
Delhi
Good evening
Please connect over consultation to help you better
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