A deficiency in one or more products that hair follicles use can lead to telogen effluvium, or even anagen effluvium some extreme cases of deficiency. The hair follicle is a hair fiber making production line. If one key component part is not available, hair fiber cannot be made and the whole production line grinds to a halt. Iron deficiency Iron deficiency is believed by some European and Australian dermatologists to be relatively common with a typical western style diet and a common cause of telogen effluvium type hair loss. It is suggested that women in particular are susceptible to iron deficiency due to the regular loss of iron rich blood in menstruation.
Blood donation is also involves a significant loss of iron.
The idea that iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss is less popular with United States based dermatologists. Chronic iron deficiency also leads to symptoms of anemia, spoon shaped nails, depression and general lethargy. Much dietary iron is supplied from red meat, chicken, and fish so vegetarians are most at risk of having a diet deficient in iron. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to an iron deficiency. Other individuals who may be at risk of iron deficiency include those who are heavy consumers of caffeine rich tea, coffee, and other drinks.