Ferritin Levels in Iron Deficiency Anemia

Ferritin is a type of protein which stores iron in the body. We all know that iron plays an important role in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. They transport oxygen to all parts of the body. At the same time, it is a fact that free iron in the blood is toxic or harmful for the body. Ferritin stores iron in itself and thus keeps the iron in such a way that it cannot cause harm to the body. It stores iron in a soluble and non-toxic form and makes it available as per demand. The iron in blood triggers the production of ferritin. Therefore ferritin levels in iron deficiency anemia are found to be low. Low iron in blood means low amount of ferritin in the body. The levels may vary according to the age and sex.

Ferritin Levels

Normal

• Normal ferritin range for men = 12 to 300 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter)
• Normal ferritin range for women = 12 to 150 ng/mL
• Normal ferritin range for children belonging to the age group 1-5 years = 6 to 24 ng/mL
• Normal ferritin range for children belonging to the age group 5-9 years = 10 to 55 ng/mL
• Normal ferritin range for children over 9 years = Up to 200 ng/mL

Thus, normal ferritin range for children varies according to their age. Older children have relatively high ferritin levels.

Low
Low ferritin than the normal range indicates that there isn't enough iron available for consumption in your body. During pregnancy, most women have low ferritin levels. Apart from pregnancy, one can have low ferritin due to

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Colon cancer
• Hemorrhoids
• Heavy bleeding during menstruation
• Psoriasis
• Prolonged bleeding in the digestive tract
• Ulcers

Weakness, chronic fatigue, dizziness, headaches are the commonly noticed symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

High
Sometimes, levels of ferritin, as high as 1000 ng/mL, are noticed. High ferritin can be seen in case of :

• Alcoholism
• Arthritis
• Blood transfusions
• Hemochromatosis (too much iron in your body)
• Inflammatory disorders
• Liver diseases
• Leukemia
• Hodgkin's disease
• Thalassemia

Too much iron in the body exhibits symptoms like joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of sex drive, heart problems, etc.

In Iron Deficiency Anemia
Lower than normal ferritin in the body can cause tachycardia (high heart rate) or heart palpitations along with fatigue, headache and dizziness. Increased irritability, pale and brittle nails, pale color of the eyes, loss of libido, abdominal pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, unusually long periods, craving for non-food items like ice, cigarette butts are some symptoms of low ferritin levels. A simple blood test helps measure ferritin levels.

Doctors advice to incorporate iron enriched foods like chicken liver, beef liver, trouts, oysters, spinach, potatoes, etc. in daily diet. Reducing the intake of caffeine (tea or coffee) is essential if you want to see a rise in ferritin levels. Moreover, you should also consume more vitamin C and vitamin E rich foods; because these vitamins promote absorption of iron. So eat foods like citrus fruits (lime, lemon, orange, etc.), vegetables like broccoli, kale, turnip, spinach, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, olives, spinach, collard greens and blueberries to raise your ferritin levels. Iron supplements can be taken after consulting your physician. The supplements may come with certain side effects like constipation and upset stomach.

Very low ferritin can exhibit symptoms like lack of energy, tiredness, breathing difficulty, loss of appetite, cold hands and feet, chest pain, fainting, confusion, lack of concentration, weak immune system, impaired neurological development and hampered growth (in case of young children). Children, adults, elderly, menopausal or pregnant women can have low ferritin levels.

Recommended Dietary Intake of Iron

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of iron for men and women over 51: 8 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for women in the age group 19 to 50: 18 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for men in the age group 19 to 50: 10 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for infants 7-12 months: 11 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for kids (1-3 years): 7 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for kids (4-8 years): 10 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for children (9-13 years): 8 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for teenage boys (14-18 years): 11 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for teenage girls (14-18 years): 15 mg per day.
• RDA of iron for pregnant woman: 27 mg per day.

People diagnosed with low ferritin or iron deficiency anemia should include foods rich in iron and cereals fortified with iron in their regular diet. Low iron and low ferritin can lead to serious health complications. A healthy and balanced diet can help bring back the ferritin levels to normal.