What are Dangerously Low Ferritin Levels?
If you have ever had a blood test, you might have heard the term “ferritin” mentioned. But why is it so important to have normal ferritin levels? We explore the significance of this protein, its relationship with the mineral iron and how regular testing can benefit your health.
Our Protein & Ferritin (Iron Stores) Test offers a quick, easy, and accurate way to measure your protein and ferritin levels and assess whether your results are within the normal range. This test is included in our Energy Profile checks or added as an extra test to our existing health assessment packages.
What is ferritin?
Ferritin, a key protein in our cells, stores extra iron. It's vital to maintain both good iron and ferritin levels for overall health. Ferritin helps store and release iron when our body requires it, and also regulates iron levels in the bloodstream, preventing potential toxicity by storing iron safely.
Around 25% of the total iron in the body is stored in its ferritin form. Ferritin is found in many of the body’s cells but is especially prevalent in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and immune cells.
Ferritin releases iron molecules from its protein shell as needed, and these bind to another protein called transferrin. Transferrin then transports these iron molecules to the bone marrow for haemoglobin production.
Iron storage is crucial because the body may not always absorb dietary iron effectively, hence the need for reserves. Ferritin's regulatory role is key in maintaining balanced iron levels in the blood, preventing both deficiencies and excessive iron buildup.
What is a normal level of ferritin?
The typical range for normal ferritin levels can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and individual health conditions. Testing to assess ferritin levels, can detect both an elevated ferritin level, which could indicate conditions like iron overload or inflammation, and low ferritin levels, or a low ferritin level, which may suggest iron deficiency or other health issues.
Normal ferritin levels for adult men and women are:
- Women: between 13 and 150 µg/L
- Men: between 30 and 400 µg/Ll
What causes low ferritin?
Low ferritin levels are an indication of iron deficiency anaemia, but what are the causes of this condition and how can you spot the signs?
Iron deficiency anaemia is defined as a long-term imbalance of iron in the body, which may result in iron depletion or deficiency. With iron deficiency, the production of red blood cells decreases due to reduced iron stores in the body. If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, it may be worth testing your ferritin levels.
The symptoms of low ferritin typically include:
- Pale skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Cold feet and hands
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
- Lack of appetite
- Brittle nails
- Sore tongue
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Here are some of the common causes of low ferritin levels that result in iron deficiency anaemia:
-
Menstruation: one of the most common causes of low iron and ferritin levels in women of reproductive age is blood loss during periods. Heavy bleeding during menstruation is known as menorrhagia.
-
Pregnancy: it is also common for women to develop iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy. The body requires additional iron to produce red blood cells for not only the mother, but the baby, too.
-
Gastrointestinal bleeding: one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia among men and menopausal women is blood loss through the gastrointestinal tract. Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding include: stomach or bowel cancer, stomach ulcers, and the use of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
-
Chronic Kidney Disease: there is also a connection between iron deficiency anaemia and chronic kidney disease. People with this condition are often prescribed iron supplements by their healthcare providers.
How to increase ferritin levels?
After receiving a diagnosis of low ferritin levels, there are ways to remedy this and achieve normal iron and ferritin results in the future. First of all, it’s important to explore the causes of low ferritin levels and why your stores are depleted. To do this, seek expert advice from a healthcare professional to help investigate the cause of your iron deficiency anaemia. You can then get started on treating the condition.
Your diet may not provide your body with sufficient iron. If this is the case, aim to include a wide variety of iron rich foods. Dietary sources of iron are categorised as haem and non-haem iron. Haem iron is found in animal products and non-haem iron sources are plant-based. Try to include the following foods to increase ferritin levels:
Haem iron food sources
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Seafood
Non-haem iron food sources
- Nuts
- Beans
- Green leafy vegetables such as kale
- Wholegrains
- Seeds
- Tofu
Although extracting nutrients from a healthy balanced diet is the most natural way to increase ferritin levels, supplements can also lend a hand if needed. Ask your provider about iron supplements if you believe you need extra help with increasing your iron intake.
How to treat low ferritin levels?
Once it has been established that your ferritin levels are low, identifying the causes is the next step to take. Treating the underlying causes can return your ferritin levels back to within the normal range.
Making lifestyle changes, such as incorporating more iron rich foods into your diet is one of the best ways of increasing iron and ferritin levels. Whilst hemeaem iron food sources like red meat are the most easily absorbable by the body, non-meat eaters should aim to incorporate a variety of non-hemeaem iron food sources into their diet. Supplementation may also be useful for vegetarians, vegans, or those with dietary restrictions.
After check-ups, treating the causes and making the necessary dietary changes or opting for supplementation, it is important to retest your ferritin levels. Undergoing regular testing can help monitor any changes or improvements to your health.
Book your private ferritin test
Ferritin levels, or iron stores, are the most sensitive and accurate indicator of iron deficiency anaemia. Measuring these levels can help towards early detection and timely treatment.
The benefits of booking a private Protein & Ferritin (Iron Stores) Test include:
- Accurately detects low ferritin levels
- Checks for an elevated ferritin level
- Measures the levels of other important proteins such as globulin and albumin
- Calculates the total protein count
- Checks for iron deficiency anaemia
- Quick and easy booking process
- Receive results promptly
With our private Protein & Ferritin (Iron Stores) Test, you can take the test at a time and place that suits you. With 350+ venues across the UK, we offer accurate and reliable private testing with safe clinical procedures, no long travel times or busy waiting rooms.
