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Many women in their late thirties and beyond accept certain changes as inevitable markers of time passing.
Silver strands appearing in once-vibrant hair, the frustrating hunt for misplaced keys, and persistent exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to cure.
These experiences feel like natural consequences of growing older. However, nutritionist Cara Shaw from BlueIron suggests these symptoms might indicate something entirely different.
Rather than simply accepting these changes as part of life’s progression, Cara points to a frequently overlooked culprit: insufficient iron levels.
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Insufficient iron levels can cause premature greying
Iron’s significance extends well beyond its reputation for combating tiredness. This vital mineral enables the brain to maintain alertness, process memories and think clearly.
Cara told GB News: “While greying is largely genetic, nutrient deficiencies can speed up the process.
“Iron supports enzymes involved in melanin production – the pigment responsible for hair colour. Some women may notice premature greying or more brittle, fragile hair as their iron stores drop.
“What’s more, iron also helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. When supply is limited, your body prioritises vital organs first, meaning your hair may be one of the first things to suffer.
“Greying, brain fog, and fatigue aren’t always just part of ageing. For many women, they are warning signs of something fixable.”
This common nutritional deficiency particularly affects women during hormonal transitions, including perimenopause, yet often goes undetected.
What’s more, women face heightened vulnerability to iron depletion due to menstruation, pregnancy, and frequently consuming less iron-rich foods than men. Additional risk factors compound the problem.
Restrictive diets, heavy menstrual bleeding and digestive conditions, including IBS, coeliac disease or reduced stomach acid, all impair iron absorption.
Regular consumption of tea or coffee alongside meals further inhibits uptake.
To make matters worse, standard blood tests often miss early deficiency stages. Doctors typically check haemoglobin levels, which may appear normal, while ferritin – the marker for iron reserves – remains dangerously depleted.
Britons can request comprehensive iron testing from GPs
This gap in testing means countless women experience symptoms for months or years before receiving a proper diagnosis.
Cara recommended requesting comprehensive iron testing from GPs, specifically including ferritin measurements alongside standard haemoglobin checks. This reveals stored iron levels that conventional tests overlook.
Traditional iron tablets often cause digestive discomfort, leading many to abandon treatment prematurely. Alternative formulations address these concerns.
Cara emphasised that addressing iron deficiency could restore mental sharpness, vitality and hair condition. Rather than accepting decline as inevitable, women might discover their symptoms stem from a treatable nutritional gap.