Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in our bodies. It’s key to our health. If ferritin levels drop, it can cause iron deficiency anemia, affecting millions globally1. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath1.
Iron deficiency can come from a bad diet, blood loss, or trouble absorbing iron. Normal ferritin levels change with age and sex. For adults, the range is 24-336 ng/mL, and for newborns, it’s 25-200 ng/mL1. About 1 in 20 people might have levels outside the norm2.
Low ferritin can cause iron deficiency anemia. This brings on weakness, tiredness, and dizziness. You might also feel headaches, have paler skin, or shortness of breath1. Other signs include rapid heartbeat, a burning tongue, and cravings for odd items like dirt1.
Key Takeaways
- Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, and low levels can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- Symptoms of low ferritin include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
- Iron deficiency can result from poor diet, blood loss, or difficulty absorbing iron from food.
- Normal ferritin levels vary by age and sex, with specific ranges for adults, newborns, and infants.
- Approximately 1 in 20 healthy individuals may have ferritin levels outside the normal range.
Understanding Ferritin and Its Role in the Body
Ferritin is a protein in our blood that stores iron. It’s crucial for our body’s iron balance. Iron helps our red blood cells, liver, bone marrow, and muscles work right. We need about 10-20 mg of iron daily, and our body absorbs about 10% of it3.
What Is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that holds iron in our bodies. It’s made of 24 parts that form a sphere. This sphere can hold up to 4,500 iron atoms. Changes in ferritin genes can cause serious health problems, like in mice without the FTH gene3.
The Function of Ferritin in Iron Storage
Our body controls iron with special proteins and elements. When we have less iron, these proteins stop ferritin from making more. PCBP1, a protein in our cells, helps manage iron too. Without it, our cells and liver can get damaged3.
Our gut bacteria also affect and are affected by iron levels. Changing how much iron we eat can change our gut bacteria. This can lead to problems like inflammation and cancer3.
Normal Ferritin Levels
Adult men and women should have ferritin levels between 24 to 336 ng/mL and 24 to 307 ng/mL, respectively4. Newborns have levels between 25 to 200 ng/mL. Infants and kids have different ranges based on their age4.
Levels outside the normal range can mean health issues. Low levels might mean we’re not getting enough iron. High levels could be due to thyroid problems, liver disease, or cancer45.
Causes of Low Ferritin Levels
Low ferritin levels can come from many sources, with iron-deficiency anemia being a big one. It affects about 20% of the world’s people6. Without enough iron, the body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, causing anemia. Women, pregnant women, people with digestive issues, vegetarians, and vegans are more likely to have low ferritin levels7.
Blood loss is another big reason for low ferritin levels. Heavy periods, internal bleeding, and giving blood often can use up iron. Women need 14.8mg of iron daily, while men need 8.7mg8. This shows how important menstruation is for iron needs.
Poor iron absorption can also cause low ferritin levels. Some digestive problems, like celiac disease, can make it hard to absorb iron. Also, some medicines, like antacids, can stop iron absorption.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common anemia worldwide. It happens when the body doesn’t have enough iron for hemoglobin in red blood cells. About 70% of iron in adults is in red blood cells6. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Blood Loss
Chronic blood loss is a big reason for low ferritin levels. Heavy periods can use up a lot of iron in women. In one Aboriginal community in Western Australia, 55% of women and 18% of men had anemia6. Other causes include bleeding from ulcers, hemorrhoids, or cancers in the gut.
| Cause of Blood Loss | Impact on Iron Levels |
|---|---|
| Heavy menstrual periods | Significant depletion of iron stores |
| Internal bleeding (ulcers, hemorrhoids) | Gradual iron loss over time |
| Frequent blood donations | Temporary reduction in iron levels |
Poor Iron Absorption
Even with enough iron, some people may still have low ferritin levels because of poor absorption. Digestive problems like celiac disease can damage the gut, making it hard to absorb iron. Vegetarians and vegans may also struggle with low ferritin levels because plant-based foods have less iron7.
“Iron deficiency without anaemia is three times as common as iron deficiency anaemia.”6
Knowing why ferritin levels are low helps people take steps to keep iron levels healthy. Eating iron-rich foods, treating health issues, and getting medical help when needed are key to keeping ferritin levels right.
Symptoms of Low Ferritin
When ferritin levels drop, the body’s iron stores are low. This can cause many symptoms that affect daily life. Iron is mainly stored in hemoglobin, with some in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver9. Low ferritin levels can mean iron deficiency, which can turn into iron-deficiency anemia if not treated910.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of low ferritin. Iron helps carry oxygen in the body. Without enough, you might feel tired and struggle with daily tasks. Iron-deficiency anemia, caused by low ferritin, can also make you feel tired, dizzy, and have trouble sleeping10.
Pale Skin
Pale or yellow skin can be a sign of low ferritin. The body needs iron to make healthy red blood cells. This paleness is often seen on the face, inside the lower eyelids, and on the nails. Other symptoms include feeling cold and potential bleeding10.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath and chest pain can also be symptoms. The body has trouble moving oxygen when iron is low. This makes it hard to breathe, especially when active. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause paleness, irritability, and an enlarged spleen9.
Hair Loss
Low ferritin can cause hair loss and brittle nails. Iron deficiency disrupts hair growth, leading to thinning and falling hair. Nails may become brittle or spoon-shaped (koilonychia).
Other symptoms include headaches, dizziness, a sore or swollen tongue, and pica (eating non-food items). Children may grow and develop slower9. If you notice these symptoms, see your healthcare provider for help.
Diagnosing Low Ferritin Levels
Healthcare providers use blood tests to find low ferritin levels. Iron deficiency is common, affecting 1.2 billion people with anemia and twice as many without11. In the developed world, 2%-5% of adult males and postmenopausal women have iron deficiency anemia12.
Ferritin Blood Test
The ferritin blood test is key in finding low ferritin levels. It checks the ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in the blood. The World Health Organization says levels below 15 μg/L for adults and 12 μg/L for children show iron deficiency11. Levels below 30 μg/L are considered low and need more checking.
Other Related Blood Tests
Healthcare providers also order other tests to check iron levels and find other issues. These include:
- Serum iron: Checks the iron in the blood
- Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): Looks at how well the body can carry iron
- Transferrin saturation (TSAT): Levels below 20% show iron deficiency11
- Complete blood count (CBC): Checks hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts
- Hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTFR), and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RHC): More tests for iron deficiency11
Tests for iron-deficiency anemia look at hemoglobin, ferritin, iron saturation, and transferrin levels13. The WHO sets hemoglobin values at 130 g/L for males, 120 g/L for non-pregnant females, and 110 g/L for pregnant females11. More tests like fecal occult blood tests and endoscopy help find the cause of iron deficiency13.
By using these tests, doctors can find low ferritin levels and plan the right treatment.
Health Risks Associated with Low Ferritin
Low ferritin levels can cause many health issues, affecting both body and mind. About 1 in 4 people worldwide have anemia, with iron-deficiency anemia being the most common14. Women and children aged 1 to 3 are most often affected, with 1 in 10 women and nearly as many children in this age group having it14.
One big risk of low ferritin is impaired cognitive function. Iron is key for brain health, and a lack can cause attention problems, lower learning ability, and memory issues. Almost half of pregnant women have iron-deficiency anemia, showing how common it is during pregnancy14. Women with low ferritin during pregnancy are at higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight, affecting the child’s health15.
Another symptom of low ferritin is restless leg syndrome. This makes people want to move their legs a lot and feel uncomfortable. It can make sleeping hard and cause daytime tiredness, affecting life quality. About 8% of toddlers in the US are iron deficient, with up to 2% at risk of anemia14.
Low ferritin also weakens the immune system, making it easier to get sick. About 2.4 million American children have low iron levels, with premature babies and low birth weight infants being especially at risk14. If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can cause heart problems because the heart has to work harder without enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells15.
| Health Risk | Potential Complications |
|---|---|
| Impaired Cognitive Function | Decreased attention span, reduced learning ability, memory problems |
| Pregnancy Complications | Premature birth, low birth weight |
| Restless Leg Syndrome | Difficulty sleeping, daytime fatigue |
| Weakened Immune System | Increased susceptibility to infections and illnesses |
| Heart Problems | Increased workload on the heart due to lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells |
Iron deficiency anemia can lead to various complications, including fatigue, headaches, heart problems, restless legs syndrome, pica, pregnancy complications, developmental delays, and an impaired immune system.
It’s important to tackle low ferritin levels quickly to avoid these health problems. Knowing the risks helps people take steps to keep their iron levels right and stay healthy.
Treatment Options for Low Ferritin
When ferritin levels drop, it’s important to act quickly. This helps prevent health problems. Treatment usually includes changing your diet, taking iron supplements, and fixing any underlying issues.
Dietary Changes to Increase Iron Intake
Eating more iron-rich foods is a key step. Good sources include:
- Red meat, such as beef and lamb
- Poultry, especially dark meat
- Fish, like tuna and salmon
- Leafy green vegetables, including spinach and kale
- Legumes, such as lentils and beans
- Fortified cereals and breads
The body absorbs iron from animal sources better than from plants. Adding vitamin C to your diet can help iron absorption16.
Iron Supplements
If diet changes aren’t enough, iron supplements might be needed. You might need to take them for months to build up iron stores16. Always follow your doctor’s advice on dosage and use, as they can cause side effects like constipation16.
In severe cases, intravenous iron or blood transfusions may be needed. These methods quickly replace iron and hemoglobin16. Ferritin levels below 15 ng per mL (33.70 pmol per L) indicate iron deficiency anemia17.
Addressing Underlying Causes
Fixing low ferritin often means finding and treating the root cause. Common causes include:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding, which accounts for 20 to 30% of cases17
- Long-term use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, contributing to 10 to 15% of cases17
- Celiac disease, responsible for 4 to 6% of cases17
- Colonic carcinoma, accounting for 5 to 10% of cases17
- Gastric carcinoma, causing 5% of cases17
Diagnosing the cause might involve tests like endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasounds16. Women might need a pelvic ultrasound to check for uterine fibroids16.
The journey to restore iron levels and achieve health starts with knowing ferritin’s role. It involves diet, supplements, and treating underlying causes.
Preventing Low Ferritin Levels
Keeping ferritin levels high is key to staying healthy. Iron deficiency is a big problem worldwide, showing how common it is18. By choosing the right foods and habits, you can lower your risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Eating foods high in iron is vital. Dark-green leafy veggies, iron-fortified cereals, and meats are good sources19. Vegetarians and vegans need to plan their meals well to get enough iron.
Regular Check-Ups and Blood Tests
Regular health checks and blood tests are important. They help catch iron deficiency early19. A blood test checks haemoglobin and blood cells to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia19.
Women with heavy periods or who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to watch their iron intake19. A study found that checking ferritin levels is key for spotting iron depletion in blood donors20.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin
Focus on a balanced diet and regular health checks to prevent low ferritin levels. Early detection and treatment are crucial to avoid iron deficiency anemia’s complications1918.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you keep feeling tired, weak, dizzy, pale, or have shortness of breath, see a doctor21. This is key if your blood tests show low ferritin levels. Men usually have 20 to 500 nanograms per milliliter, and women have 20 to 200 nanograms per milliliter22.
Pregnant women need to see a doctor quickly. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, early births, or underweight babies21. They might not get enough iron from their diet23.
People with ongoing health issues or bleeding in their stomach and intestines should also see a doctor fast. Bleeding can be from meds, ulcers, or inflammation, and it often leads to iron deficiency anemia23.
Your doctor will figure out why your ferritin is low. It could be from iron deficiency, anemia, heavy periods, or stomach problems22. They’ll give you iron tablets for 6 months to fix the issue23. They’ll also check how you’re doing to make sure the treatment works.
Iron deficiency anemia can make you more likely to get sick and can cause heart problems like a fast heartbeat or heart failure23.
Don’t wait to get medical help for persistent symptoms and abnormal blood test results related to low ferritin. It’s important for your health and to avoid serious problems.
Conclusion
Low ferritin levels can really affect your health and happiness. Iron deficiency anemia hits 1.24 billion people worldwide, mostly women and kids in poor countries24. In the U.S., about a third of women of childbearing age might not get enough iron. In 2019, about 30% of women aged 15 to 49 globally were anemic25.
Iron deficiency is behind half of anemia cases in women, says the World Health Organization25.
Knowing the causes, signs, and risks of iron deficiency helps you stay healthy. You can boost iron levels with diet, supplements, and doctor visits. Mild iron deficiency, with ferritin levels under 20-35 ug/L, can cause fatigue, brain fog, and poor sleep24.
A ferritin blood test can spot low ferritin levels. Some studies suggest a ferritin level of 30 micrograms per liter is a good sign of iron deficiency25.
Getting medical help and following a treatment plan can improve your life. Eating foods high in iron and taking iron supplements as advised by a doctor are key. Regular doctor visits and blood tests help keep an eye on ferritin levels and catch problems early.