Iron is an essential mineral for our body and is vital to our health. Ferritin functions as a protein that allows iron to be stored. However, low ferritin may indicate some potential problems. One of the most common causes of low ferritin is inadequate iron intake or absorption problems. Ferritin levels can decrease if people do not consume enough iron-containing foods in their daily lives or if their bodies do not absorb iron properly. In addition, some nutritional disorders or digestive system diseases can negatively affect iron absorption and lead to low ferritin.
What causes ferritin deficiency?
The most common cause of ferritin deficiency is inadequate consumption of iron-containing foods. Iron is a mineral necessary for the production of red blood cells. Insufficient iron intake can cause a decrease in the production of red blood cells and, ultimately, anemia. Other causes of ferritin deficiency include:
- Blood loss: Blood loss may occur in situations such as menstrual bleeding, surgery, injury, blood donation, or medical conditions that cause chronic blood loss. This can cause ferritin levels to drop.
- Iron absorption disorders: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and the use of certain medications can prevent the absorption of iron from the intestine. This can cause ferritin deficiency.
- Hereditary diseases: Some inherited diseases can affect the production or absorption of ferritin. These diseases can cause ferritin deficiency.
Low ferritin is a symptom of which disease?
Low ferritin occurs as a result of your body’s reduced iron storage capacity or insufficient iron levels. “What causes low ferritin?” Some of the answers to the question:
- Insufficient Iron Intake: When you do not get enough iron in your daily diet, the body has trouble accessing iron sources and ferritin levels may decrease. Not consuming enough foods, especially iron-rich foods, can lead to low ferritin.
- Iron Absorption Problems: There are some conditions that prevent your body from absorbing iron from food. For example, tannins found in beverages such as tea and coffee can reduce iron absorption. Additionally, some intestinal diseases, especially inflammatory bowel diseases, can affect the absorption of iron.
- Chronic Blood Loss: Chronic blood loss is one of the most common causes of low ferritin. This may occur due to reasons such as stomach ulcers, digestive system problems, excessive menstruation or internal bleeding.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnancy and breastfeeding are times when the body needs more iron. Therefore, the risk of low ferritin may increase during these periods.
- Genetic Factors: Some people may genetically have problems with iron metabolism and be at higher risk of low ferritin.
- Chronic Diseases: Some chronic diseases can prevent your body from using iron properly. For example, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and cancer may be among the causes of low ferrit.
- Medicines: Some medications can reduce iron absorption and cause low ferritin.
Is low ferritin dangerous?
Low ferritin can be a potentially dangerous condition for the body because ferritin is a protein that indicates iron storage capacity, leading to inadequate or irregular distribution of iron in the body. Iron is essential for many essential functions in the body, and therefore low ferritin can lead to a number of health problems. “What happens if your ferritin is too low?” Answers to the question:
- Low ferritin is one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia causes insufficient red blood cell production, which can lead to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Iron is important for the proper functioning of the immune system. Low ferritin can negatively impact immune system function and increase vulnerability to infections.
- Iron deficiency can lead to mental and emotional problems. These include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, depression and anxiety.
- Iron deficiency can cause hair loss (telogen effluvium) and skin problems.
- Iron deficiency can reduce energy levels and make daily activities difficult.
What to do if ferritin is low?
When you encounter low ferritin, the most important step is to contact a healthcare professional to evaluate the underlying cause and your personal health condition. The causes of low ferritin may vary and therefore the treatment approach may also vary. For the treatment of low ferritin, you should first consult a doctor. The doctor will perform the necessary tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
If iron deficiency is a condition that needs to be corrected, your doctor may recommend iron supplements. You should take these supplements in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations. Excessive iron intake may cause side effects, so it should be used under medical supervision. This method “How to increase ferritin?” This is the important answer to the question. Adding iron-rich foods to your diet can increase iron levels. It may be beneficial to consume iron-rich foods such as red meat, chicken, fish, spinach, beans, chickpeas and prunes.
Vitamin C can increase the absorption of iron. Therefore, it may be beneficial to choose foods containing vitamin C while taking iron supplements or consuming iron-rich foods. If there is an underlying disease or condition for low ferritin, such as inflammatory bowel disease or blood loss, it is important to treat that underlying cause. Once ferritin levels have improved, it is important to attend regular follow-up appointments as recommended by your doctor.
Does low ferritin cause cancer?
Ferritin is a blood test that measures the amount of iron your body stores. When ferritin levels are low, it means your body is iron deficient. Iron deficiency is a condition that can increase the risk of cancer. Cancer cells require iron to grow and multiply. In people with iron deficiency, cancer cells can take up more iron than iron-rich normal cells. This can promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and increase the risk of cancer. However, it is not fully understood how low ferritin increases the risk of cancer.
Iron is normal. Is low ferritin normal?
Iron may be normal, low ferritin may be normal. Ferritin is a blood test that measures the amount of iron your body stores. Ferritin levels may be low while iron levels are normal. This indicates that your body is starting to use its iron stores. Low iron normal ferritin usually does not cause any symptoms. Low iron normal ferritin usually does not require any treatment. To replenish your iron stores, simply eat iron-rich foods or take iron supplements.