It is estimated that 1 gram of ferritin corresponds to 140 µg of spare iron for every kilogram of our body. What is the evidence of low ferritin levels and what should be done in this case?

Ferritin: what is it?

Ferritin is a protein that stores Fe3 + iron ions inside our cells. Ferritin is found in large amounts in the liver and macrophages, but also in the spleen and bone marrow.

It is worth knowing that ferritin is also a proteinthe so-called acute phase , which means that in the course of inflammation, infections, liver diseases (e.g. cirrhosis) or neoplasms its level increases. In such situations, ferritin should not be used as a marker of iron deficiency.

Ferritin: study

The level of ferritincan be tested in virtually every laboratory withblood taken from the elbow bend . Before the test, we should befasting , because it has an impact on the credibility of the obtained test result.

Ferritin: Standards

The correct blood ferritin level should be:

  • for women 10-200 µg / l
  • for men: 15-400 µg / l

Ferritin and iron

Blood ferritin leveldrops very quickly during iron deficiency, so it is used as a marker of iron stores in the body.

Low Ferritin

Low ferritin level below 10 µg / l is an early symptom of depletion of iron stores in the organism. Ferritin testing is usually performed with other laboratory tests that assess the body's iron stores.

If low ferritin coexists withdecreased hemoglobinand MCV (microcytosis) index, it indicatesiron deficiency anemia .

What are the symptoms of low ferritin?

Symptoms of low ferritin levels are:

  • pale skin and eye conjunctiva,
  • sleepiness,
  • chronic fatigue,
  • decreased tolerance of physical exertion,
  • shortness of breath,
  • immunity decline,
  • trouble concentrating,
  • feeling cold,
  • hair loss,
  • nail breakage,
  • eating corners of the mouth.

What to do in case of low ferritin levels?

Low ferritin levels may indicateiron deficiency and / or anemia. In such a situation, we should report to the general practitioner who will decide on further treatment. We should not take iron preparations on our own, because in inappropriate doses they can be harmful to our he alth.

Read also:

  • Hemoglobin: standards for women, men and children, and for pregnant women
  • MPV - standard, increased, below standard
Karolina Karabin, MD, PhD, molecular biologist, laboratory diagnostician, Cambridge Diagnostics Polska A biologist by profession, specializing in microbiology, and a laboratory diagnostician with over 10 years of experience in laboratory work. A graduate of the College of Molecular Medicine and a member of the Polish Society of Human Genetics. Head of research grants at the Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics at the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Internal Diseases of the Medical University of Warsaw. She defended the title of doctor of medical sciences in the field of medical biology at the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Medical University of Warsaw. Author of many scientific and popular science works in the field of laboratory diagnostics, molecular biology and nutrition. On a daily basis, as a specialist in the field of laboratory diagnostics, he runs the content department at Cambridge Diagnostics Polska and cooperates with a team of nutritionists at the CD Dietary Clinic. He shares his practical knowledge on diagnostics and diet therapy of diseases with specialists at conferences, training sessions, and in magazines and websites. She is particularly interested in the influence of modern lifestyle on molecular processes in the body.

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