If you’ve ever taken a blood test and you’ve come across the term “ferritin” before. Ferritin has a distinct connection to iron, the mineral that aids in the decrease of fatigue and fatigue, as well as the normal functioning that the immune system performs. Therefore, when ferritin levels are not high, your body is unable to function efficiently.
How do I know what ferritin is?
It is useful to consider the body’s structure as a full larder. Along with the foods you consume each day, the larder also has containers of beans as well as bags of rice in case the supply is low.
The system stores iron the same way. It uses some iron from the foods you consume to create oxygen-rich blood. However, it also keeps some to use on a rainy day in which you don’t get enough iron from your food.
Ferritin is a multi-protein which stores iron in your cells. It releases it when your body requires it to create red blood cells among other things. The liver has the highest amount of ferritin.
Being healthy in terms of ferritin and iron levels are equally crucial. Without it the iron level could fall quickly.
The symptoms of low ferritin are often a sign of low iron.
These symptoms are usually caused by low ferritin levels:
- Breathing shortness
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Unusual fatigue
- The sound of your ears is ringing
- Dry, pale skin
- Heart palpitations
- Hair loss is increasing
The presence of low levels of ferritin can lead to
A low value after Ferritin Test may indicate the presence of an iron deficiency. Usually, this is caused by a poor diet consumption of iron. This is particularly the case when you’re vegan or vegetarian.
In addition, the other reasons for low levels of ferritin are:
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- Doing too much exercise
- Pregnancy
What is the difference between low iron stores and anaemia caused by iron deficiency?
Low iron stores and anaemia caused by iron deficiency have similar symptoms, including tiredness, shortness of breath dizziness, weakness pale skin, and heart palpitations, they’re two distinct biological processes
The cause of anaemia lies in a deficiency of haemoglobin which red blood cells make to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron stores that are low however can be due to a deficiency of iron.
That means that if you had low iron storage however your haemoglobin level and blood count were both normal and normal, you’d have an iron deficiency but not anaemia. Iron stores may be low even if haemoglobin levels are normal because iron stores will be destroyed to maintain haemoglobin in good health.
If the iron levels, as well as haemoglobin, were deficient it could indicate that you suffer from an iron deficiency as well as anaemia due to iron deficiency.
It’s also important to mention that in anaemia, as a whole it can also include Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies anaemia. Both of which are not related to the iron status of the body.
Ferritin blood test
Ferritin is an excellent measure of the amount of iron is present in your body. If your GP suspects that you are having an iron shortage, they’ll arrange to have a ferritin blood test. The greater the amount of ferritin you have in your system, the greater amount of stored iron you’re carrying around.
Preparation
There is no need to fast when the blood sample is being tested for ferritin so you can drink water and consume food normally prior.
Results
The following results represent the normal range for ferritin in the blood (5):
- For women: 11-307 micrograms per Liter
- For males: 24 to 336 micrograms per 1 litre
A low ferritin level could indicate that you suffer from an iron shortage. There is also the possibility of having iron deficiency anaemia. Based on this information the GP will collaborate with you to determine the reason behind the condition.
How can I increase the levels of ferritin?
Dietary changes
Enhancing the quantity and quality of iron in your diet is the most effective method to boost your ferritin levels as well as your overall status of iron.
There are two kinds of iron haem (from animal sources) and non-haem (from plants). It is notable that it is believed that the human body can absorb haem iron more efficiently. Although, haem iron is able to aid an absorption rate of iron that is not haem (6). To boost your iron levels take into consideration having a portion of each at any given time, like steak with spinach, for instance.
Sources of iron in Haem
- Beef (red meat has more iron haem than poultry)
- Lamb
- Pork
- Fish
- Poultry
Non-haem iron sources
- Pulses
- Legumes
- Dark leafy vegetables
- Tofu
- Nuts
- Seeds
If you’re following a plant-based diet, then you’ll have to consume more non-haem iron, particularly when you experience loss of iron-rich blood during menstrual cycles. The cooking and soaking of seeds and nuts can boost the absorption of iron.
Vitamin C could also help with the uptake of iron. In this regard take a look at taking a vitamin C-rich diet such as citrus fruits, or green leafy vegetables along with iron-rich food items. When your levels of ferritin are low do not fret. If you make the correct dietary changes as well as guidance from your GP it is easy to replenish your stores. Check out our blog to find out more about the role that iron plays in your health and well-being.
Also, Read: What are the Different Types of Eczema?
