Can you have low ferritin and not be anemic?

The multitude of symptoms is commonly associated low ferritin concentration without anemia 1, 17, 20, 21, 22. In addition, iron supplementation has been shown to improve fatigue and physical performance with low ferritin concentration 23, 24, 25.

Why is my ferritin always low?

A lower-than-normal ferritin level can indicate that you have an iron deficiency, which can happen when you don’t consume enough iron in your daily diet. Another condition that affects iron levels is anemia, which is when you don’t have enough red blood cells for iron to attach to.

What happens if low ferritin is not treated?

However, additional complications can occur if the iron deficiency anemia is left untreated. Possible complications include: slow growth and developmental delays in children and infants. heart problems, including heart failure or an enlarged heart due to it compensating for lack of oxygen.

What is a critically low ferritin level?

Ferritin: usually low in iron deficiency. Less than 10 is virtually diagnostic of iron deficiency anemia, while levels between 10 and 20 are suggestive. Ferritin is an acute phase reactant, and levels are increased in the setting of inflammation.

Can these symptoms really be down to low ferritin?

Ferritin is an indication of the amount of iron in storage in your body. Low ferritin levels are often associated with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, inability to exercise and even hair loss . Diagnosing and treating low ferritin is important because it can actually reverse these symptoms and improve quality of life.

Are there any dangers with a low ferritin level?

Low ferritin levels are dangerous because they can make you experience various symptoms such as experiencing dizziness, unexplained fatigue, weakness, and chronic headaches. It can also make you gain weight because iron deficiency can affect your energy level. The more your body needs energy, the more you want to eat more.

What can low ferritin levels do to your body?

Low ferritin levels can cause an irregular heartbeat. The heart muscle is fueled by both hemoglobin and myoglobin. This compounded condition results in inadequate heart beats and poor quality heart contractions. The heart normally pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The body as a whole will be compromised.

How to fix low ferritin levels?

If ferritin is low, you can give it a boost by eating good sources of iron along with foods that increase iron absorption. Iron supplements also help prevent or treat low ferritin, but consult your health care provider before taking supplements to check your ferritin level and determine the right dose.