Ferritin is a protein complex that stores iron from food to meet the body’s iron needs and releases it when needed. Ferritin, which undertakes the functions of dissolving, storing and releasing iron, is generally found in cells and is present in small amounts in the bloodstream. This protein is an important indicator in terms of reflecting the status of iron stores in the body.
Ferritin levels measured by laboratory tests are used to determine the amount of iron in the body and how full its stores are. Therefore, ferritin testing is a very useful tool for assessing iron deficiency or accumulation.
What is low ferritin?
Since ferritin is a protein responsible for the storage and release of iron, a protein level below normal indicates that the body’s iron stores are depleted. This leads to iron deficiency, commonly known as anemia.
Iron plays a critical role in red blood cells carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, so low iron levels negatively affect red blood cell production and iron deficiency anemia occurs.
Low ferritin levels are usually seen due to excessive tea and coffee consumption and irregular nutrition. In addition, physiological conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding periods can limit iron intake and cause ferritin levels to decrease.
What are the symptoms of low ferritin?
Low Ferritin symptoms that may be encountered in cases where ferritin levels are low are as follows:
- Severe fatigue and weakness
- Pale appearance of the skin
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
- Acceleration of heartbeat
- Headaches and dizziness
- Formation of sores on the tongue
- Nails become brittle
- Loss of appetite, especially in infants and children
- Ringing in the ears
- Feeling cold
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulties with concentration and focus
- Hair loss
- Joint and muscle pain
- Feeling of numbness in hands and feet
- Desire to eat soil or lime
How to treat low ferritin?
A low ferritin level, which is determined by the ferritin test performed to assess iron levels in the body, can be an indicator of potential health problems. To determine the cause of this condition, the reasons behind the depletion of iron stores should be examined. For example, treating inflammatory conditions such as bleeding ulcers or excessive menstrual bleeding can quickly resolve iron deficiency.
If low ferritin is not due to a specific disease, oral iron supplements (syrup, drops, capsules) or intravenous iron therapy can be applied according to the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of low ferritin. In some cases, iron supplements alone may not be sufficient; therefore, dietary changes may also be recommended.