Deficiency of iron can result in hair loss. If you haves started losing a lot of hair recently, speak to your doctor about it. He may prescribe an iron supplement to help contain hair loss. Iron is an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin. While hemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen within the body, myoglobin, supplies oxygen to muscles. Deficiency of iron results in decreased oxygen circulation, which in turn causes hair loss. Even gradual thinning of hair over time is associated with iron deficiency.  Several scientific studies have shown the hair loss is highest in women at the time of pregnancy or menstruation, when their iron reserves tend to diminish. Women with severe anemia showed the highest amount of hair loss. The best way to improve the levels of iron in the body is to take a diet rich in this mineral. This includes foods like green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, nuts, and cereals. However, an iron rich diet alone may not be sufficient to contain hair loss. Supplementing a healthy diet with iron can help stop hair loss effectively. Take a supplement which can be easily absorbed. Iron supplements containing ferrous sulfate may be difficult to absorb and can cause constipation. You can get supplements containing other iron salts. You can also get liquid iron supplements which do not cause unpleasant side effects like digestive upset and constipation. Doctors estimate that the body needs serum ferritin concentrations of 40ng/mL or more to maintain good hair. Serum ferritin concentrations of 70ng/mL or more are needed to stimulate hair re-growth. Always take iron supplements under a doctor’s guidance since excess amounts of iron can be toxic.