Question: I am a woman over 50 and have been eating fish — and no meat — for 20 years. But my hair has been thinning in the last five months. I am on a very healthy diet and take multi-vitamins and calcium with vitamin D. Do you have any advice?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
It's always a good idea to have some dietary diversity. Any time you avoid meat, you must be sure to include a source of iron in your diet, because fish does not contain this essential nutrient for red blood cell production. Iron deficiency is easily measured by a blood test and iron replacement is very inexpensive and available without prescription.
But be careful. Too much iron intake can also be harmful, and can cause major organ damage. Excess iron accumulates in your liver, brain, and heart, as well as other organs.
Hair thinning can be tied to genetics, but also can be seen associated with thyroid disorders, illness, stress, infection, malignancy, and other diseases. So I would recommend you consult your doctor.
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