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 multi-vitamins and calcium with vitamin D. Do you have any advice?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
We usually like you to have some dietary diversity. Anytime 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 is available without prescription. But be aware that excess 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, so it is important to avoid iron excess.
Hair thinning can be from genetics, but also can be seen associated with thyroid disorders, illness, stress, infections, malignancy and other major illnesses.
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