Depends. Low ferritin is a sign of iron deficiency and can be serious depending on its cause.

If it is caused, for example, by hemorrhage, it is considered a serious condition.

However, the most common cause of low ferritin is iron deficiency anemia, which is found in people who eat poorly. This is a simple problem, which is solved with the food guide.

Ferritin is a protein produced by the liver that is responsible for storing iron. As iron is reduced in the blood, the body consumes more ferritin. Knowing that iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, low levels of iron and ferritin lead to anemia.

Normal values ​​are:

Men	Women
23 to 336 ng/mL	11 to 306 ng/mL

What are the symptoms of low ferritin?

The most common symptoms of low ferritin, remembering that it is quite associated with anemia, include:

• Fatigue.
• Hair loss.
• Pallor.
• Weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Acceleration of heartbeat.
• Heart failure.
• Restless legs syndrome (feeling of discomfort in the legs that causes an uncontrollable urge to move them)

What causes low ferritin?

The main causes of low ferritin are:

• Anemia due to lack of iron in the blood.
• Foods low in iron and vitamin C.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Tumor.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines)

When should I do the ferritin test?

Testing for ferritin in the blood is not usually part of routine testing. Your doctor will usually order a ferritin test when he suspects you have an iron deficiency, such as in cases of unexplained weakness, tiredness, hair loss, or insomnia.

It may also be ordered when you have a CBC (blood test) with low hemoglobin levels or a change in red blood cells (RBC).

The test is performed with a blood sample and no fasting or other preparation is required. It is often ordered along with a CBC and a bloodstream iron (serum iron) test.

What is the treatment for low ferritin?

Treatment for low ferritin depends on its cause, but proper nutrition is recommended for all situations.

A balanced diet rich in iron is essential to help replace ferritin. However, depending on the iron and ferritin values ​​​​in the blood, it may not be enough because it takes longer to reach optimal values.

The ferrous sulfate supplement combined with vitamin C is a treatment option with a faster response, due to the concentrations of the substances in the tablets. The pill should be taken after meals, along with water or fruit juice, for better absorption. Never take it with milk or alcoholic beverages.

In cases of anemia due to a voluminous menstrual flow, it is worth evaluating with the gynecologist the possibilities of suspending menstruation, with the constant use of contraceptives or using ferrous sulfate during this period.

Finally, in cases of tumors or bleeding from the digestive system, treatment is usually surgical, sometimes urgent, to stop the bleeding. After definitive treatment, iron replacement and supplements should be evaluated by the primary care physician or hematologist.

Treatment should continue for about 6 months after the blood test shows that the body's ferritin and iron levels are normal.

What foods are rich in iron?

Food rich in iron mainly includes

• Red meat.
• Chicken Boys.
• Beans.
• Dark vegetables green such as watercress, spinach, collards and broccoli.
• Iron-fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, bread, and cereals.
• Additionally, eat products rich in vitamin C such as orange, lemon, guava, paprika, strawberry, and dark green vegetables (watercress, spinach), as they help the body absorb iron.

Is it normal to have low ferritin during pregnancy?

Yes, it is normal for pregnant women to have low ferritin levels. This is because during pregnancy, although the amount of blood in the woman increases, large amounts of iron pass through the placenta to the baby.

Iron and ferritin levels are monitored during prenatal care, and adjustments to diet or iron supplements are made if necessary.

The doctor who ordered the ferritin test is responsible for interpreting the results and indicating the best treatment.