Best Ways to Increase Ferritin Levels

Ferritin is a protein which helps store iron in the body. It is present in iron-storing cells of all living organisms, including microscopic organisms. Blood ferritin levels are measured to evaluate a person's iron stores. If your doctor suspects 'too much of iron in the body' or 'iron deficiency' then he/she may order a ferritin test. When the protein 'ferritin' gets bound to iron, then only the body is able to store iron for future use. Iron plays an important role in healthy blood composition. Low ferritin can lead to iron deficiency anemia. How to maintain normal ferritin levels? Is it possible to increase ferritin levels naturally? Find answers to these questions and more in the following section.

Normal and Abnormal Ferritin Levels

As explained above, ferritin levels help to know about the iron stores in the body. Normal ferritin levels may vary according to age and gender. 18 - 270 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) of ferritin is considered as normal range of ferritin for adult men whereas adult women may have ferritin within the range of 18 - 160 ng/mL. These values may vary slightly from lab to lab.

Low ferritin is noticed when a person suffers from long term internal bleeding (for example, digestive tract bleeding), heavy menstruation (common in women), scarcity of iron in diet and digestive system dysfunction leading to poor absorption of iron in intestines. Low ferritin can seriously affect your energy and stamina. Insufficient ferritin can lead to loss of libido, increased irritability, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, ringing in the ears, etc. Women may have to suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and long periods.

High ferritin levels are noticed when too much of iron is absorbed in the digestive tract. This condition is known as hemochromatosis. Frequent red blood cells transfusion or damaged liver due to alcohol abuse can lead to higher than normal ferritin in the body. Any inflammatory disorder can result in high ferritin.

How to Increase Ferritin Levels?

Correct Diagnosis: Correct diagnosis helps plan proper treatment. Finding out the cause of low ferritin is essential if you want to increase the levels fast. Certain health problems like hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, certain cancers can lower the levels of ferritin. If long term gastric bleeding is detected, its cause should be found out. Ulcers or excessive consumption of drugs and medicines like aspirin, steroids can result in internal bleeding. Even infections and premature breakdown of red blood cells can be the cause of lower than normal ferritin in the body. Prompt and proper treatment can correct ferritin levels.

Iron Supplements: The amount of ferritin depends upon the amount of iron provided to your body. Ferritin level rises as you provide more iron through diet. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and tonics to raise ferritin levels in your body. While taking the supplements, you should strictly follow the instructions of the doctor regarding 'dosage'. Otherwise you may have to suffer from toxicity caused by too much of iron in the body.

Iron Rich Foods: It is always better to raise ferritin levels naturally. You can include iron rich foods in your regular diet. Both animal and plant sources of iron can be included in diet. Red meat is an excellent source of iron. Enjoy lean meat at least in one meal every day. Chicken liver, beef liver, pork, turkey, fish like halibut, tuna, trout, oysters, shrimp, crab, etc. are good sources of iron. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli and fruits like dates and figs help increase iron levels. Lentils, various types of beans, blackstrap molasses and nuts also contain a good amount of iron. Cornflakes, wheat germ, fortified food products, brown rice, buckwheat are some other good sources of iron. Remember, it may take months to raise ferritin levels. You need to follow a healthy diet sincerely.

Vitamin C: Not only iron rich foods but foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed in large amounts, if you want to increase ferritin levels. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the digestive tract. Oranges, grapefruit, berries, etc. can be included in the daily diet to enhance iron absorption.

Foods that Affect Iron Absorption: Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can affect iron absorption in intestines. Even calcium interferes with iron absorption. You may take iron supplement four-six hours after taking calcium supplement or four-six hours after consumption of calcium rich foods like milk or other dairy products. Thus healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining normal ferritin levels. You need to take into consideration all these points if you want to raise ferritin levels in the body.

Low ferritin can lead to anemia, resulting in lack of concentration, behavioral problems and learning difficulty. Low energy levels, weakness can seriously affect your day-to-day activities. While trying to raise the levels of ferritin, you need to consult your doctor and monitor the levels regularly.

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Best Treatment for Low Ferritin

Ferritin is an intracellular protein that plays a vital role in storing iron and facilitating its release as per the body's requirements. The parts of the body where ferritin is found include the liver, spleen, bone marrow and the skeletal muscles. Ferritin plays a vital role in regulating the levels of iron in the body. Whenever the levels of iron are low, the iron which is bound to ferritin is released into the bloodstream. On the other hand, iron that may be in excess is stored by this protein, and is released later, as and when needed.

At times, the level of serum iron may be well within the normal range, whereas ferritin levels may be below the normal range. Under such circumstances, one may become highly susceptible to an iron deficiency anemia. This is the reason why doctors usually order a ferritin test when one has been experiencing low energy levels, headache, dizziness, irritability and various other distressing symptoms that may be associated with iron deficiency anemia. Thus, any kind of imbalance in the ferritin levels must be treated at the earliest.

Low Ferritin Treatment Options

As mentioned earlier, most of the storage iron in the body is present in the form of ferritin. Ferritin helps in regulating the amount of iron that is available to the body, which is why, low ferritin levels are indicative of improper rate of iron absorption, and an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia. Wondering how to treat low ferritin levels? Scroll down to know more on the diagnosis as well as the treatment for low ferritin levels.

Diagnostic Tests: Serum iron test, ferritin test, TIBC (total iron binding capacity) and UIBC (unsaturated iron binding capacity) are some of the diagnostic tests that are usually conducted in order to ascertain the levels of iron in the body. Out of these, the ferritin test helps in ascertaining the total iron storage capacity of the body. Under normal circumstances, ferritin levels in men must be within the range of 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter, whereas for females, the normal ferritin levels must lie within 12 to 150 nanograms per milliliter. If the test results reveal low ferritin levels, then doctors would need to investigate further so as to identify the reasons for low ferritin levels.

Identifying the Underlying Cause: When one's diet is deficient in iron, ferritin which is a protein to which most of the storage iron is bound, gets used up at a fast rate. While an inadequate intake of iron rich foods is a common cause of low ferritin levels, certain medical conditions could also affect the levels of ferritin. Some of the common causes of low ferritin include liver problems, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric bleeding or a sluggish thyroid gland. Gastrointestinal problems that prevent proper absorption of nutrients could also cause low ferritin levels. In case of women, heavy menstrual bleeding could also cause low ferritin. Thus, a proper medical checkup must be conducted in order to ascertain the underlying cause. Once the underlying cause has been identified, doctors can recommend drug therapy, surgery or any other effective treatment option for treating such an underlying medical condition. Treatment of the actual cause of an iron deficiency would certainly help in correcting the imbalance in the serum ferritin levels.

Improving One's Dietary Habits: As mentioned earlier, the iron stores of the body get depleted at a fast rate if one's diet doesn't fulfill the body's needs for iron. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, which in turn, is a key component of the red blood cells. Hemoglobin acts as the carrier of life giving oxygen, which is why, a person suffering from low hemoglobin is most likely to suffer from fatigue, low energy levels and various other health problems. The best way to correct the imbalance of storage iron in the body is to follow a diet that is rich in foods containing iron. Red meat, oysters, liver, shrimp, crab and sea food are some of the sources of heme iron (animal sources of iron) that have a high absorption rate. Including these to one's diet can certainly help in replenishing the depleted iron stores. Green leafy vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, oatmeal, whole grain breads, tofu, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, raisins and dried fruits are some of the dietary sources of non-heme iron (iron from plant sources) that can also be included in one's diet.

Iron Supplementation/Infusion: In case of patients diagnosed with very low ferritin levels, treatment often includes iron supplementation. Iron supplements that contain the highest amount of elemental iron may be prescribed by the doctors. The term 'elemental iron' refers to the amount of iron in the pill that the body actually absorbs. It is believed that ferrous iron salts such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate contain the highest amount of elemental iron. However, use of iron pills can also give rise to certain side effects, and one must therefore, take them as per the dosage prescribed by the doctor. In severe cases, where the patient seems to be facing difficulty in absorbing iron due to certain medical conditions, doctors may even recommend intravenous iron infusion for treating low ferritin levels.

Though the human body has its own way of regulating the amount of iron, the process of iron absorption can get adversely affected due to a variety of factors. It is believed that foods that contain polyphenols or oxalic acid may inhibit the absorption of iron. Excessive intake of calcium may also affect the absorption of iron, which is why, one must not take iron pills with milk. On the other hand, consumption of foods rich in vitamin C is believed to enhance the absorption of iron. So, if your blood tests reveal low ferritin levels, then make the necessary lifestyle related changes, and follow the doctor's guidelines in order to restore the ferritin levels back to normal.

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Symptoms of Low Ferritin

Usually, those with hypothyroidism may have a low ferritin level. Wondering what is ferritin? It is a protein that stores iron, and releases the mineral in a controlled fashion. The structure of this protein is like a hollow sphere. It is inside this sphere, that iron is stored in the Fe(III) oxidation state, which has to be changed to Fe(II) oxidation state, so that it can be released from the protein structure. In case of iron deficiency in the body, ferritin molecules release the stored mineral in solvated form. In short, ferritin can control the level of iron in the body, thereby preventing conditions like iron deficiency or overload.

What happens if the level of ferritin becomes low? A low ferritin level in the blood may indicate iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia that can cause various symptoms like fatigue. A ferritin blood test shows the amount of ferritin in the body. The level of ferritin in the blood can be low, even if the hemoglobin and iron levels are normal. Such situations indicate initial stages of iron deficiency, in which the body lacks stored iron.

Normal Ferritin Range

Males - 12 to 300 ng/mL
Females - 12 to 150 ng/mL
Kids (6 months to 15 years) - 7 to 140 ng/mL
Infants (1 to 5 months) - 50 to 200 ng/mL
Neonates - 25 to 200 ng/mL

ng/mL - nanograms per milliliter

What Causes Low Ferritin Level?

A depletion in the level of ferritin in the blood can be caused by various factors. The major causes include low intake of iron-rich foods, long-term blood loss, as seen in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, etc. Those with medical conditions like hemorrhoids, colon polyps, and ulcers, may develop bleeding in the intestinal tract, thereby causing long-term blood loss. Another reason for low ferritin is malabsorption of iron consumed. This condition occurs in people with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Poor absorption of iron causes a drop in the level of iron in the body. Such people may also show a low ferritin level. In some cases, premature breakdown of red blood cells due to intravascular hemolysis also leads to symptoms of low ferritin level.

According to the Merck Manual, a serum ferritin level that is less than 12 ng/mL, is specific for iron deficiency. The reference range for serum ferritin may vary with laboratories. A person with a low ferritin level may develop symptoms, as the condition causes anemia. The symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and get severe as the level becomes too low.

Minor Symptoms

• Mild aches and pains
• Fatigue, weakness
• Loss of stamina
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness and palor

Severe Symptoms

• Increase in pulse rate and palpitations
• Irritability, confusion
• Loss of libido
• Tingling and numbness in fingers and toes
• Restless leg syndrome
• Abnormal craving to eat ice or inedible items
• Cognitive problems and excessive bruising
• Dysphagia, inflamed tongue, concave nails

A low ferritin level may indicate conditions like hypothyroidism, vitamin C deficiency, or celiac disease.

Treatment

If the blood test result confirms low ferritin levels in your body, the doctor will recommend a change in diet. Consumption of iron-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, and leafy vegetables like spinach, has to be increased. Apart from that, iron supplements and tonics may also be prescribed. In case of an underlying medical condition, it has to be treated properly. Your doctor is the best person to guide you in this matter.

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Symptoms of Ferritin Deficiency

Ferritin is a type of protein produced in our body and its main purpose is to store iron. In other words, they are iron storing proteins and is of the many constituents of the blood. People with low ferritin levels are at a great risk of suffering from iron deficiency. Too much alcohol consumption, poor diet and liver diseases such as hepatitis are some of the causes of low ferritin levels.

A point to note that low ferritin levels does not mean that the person will be immediately get diagnosed with iron deficiency. There have been cases in which patients had normal iron levels, despite blood tests showing ferritin deficiency. Although, ferritin levels influence the amount of iron present in the blood, it does not cause a sudden fall in iron levels. Iron deficiency is a slow process and always occurs over a period of time. When there is inadequate iron in the blood, use of ferritin comes into picture. Iron from ferritin is now released into the body to compensate for low iron levels in the blood. Iron stores from ferritin slow begin to reduce to ensure that blood iron remains in the normal range. However, in the course of time, the depleting ferritin levels fail to provide sufficient iron, eventually leading to iron deficiency.

The blood test is the most common diagnostic tool used to detect below average ferritin levels. Heavy internal bleeding is one of the main ferritin deficiency causes. Bleeding during menstrual cycle is often the reason behind low ferritin levels in women. A diet deficient in essential nutrients is also one of the factors responsible for causing low ferritin levels.

Symptoms

As ferritin levels start decreasing and fall below the normal range, the body finds it difficult to hold iron. With iron stores gradually diminishing, the person is bound to experience iron deficiency symptoms at some point of time. Migraine headaches, dizziness, poor appetite, cold hands and feet are some of the symptoms associated with ferritin deficiency. Other symptoms are discussed below:

Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is often linked to low ferritin levels. The person gets easily tired and is unable to tolerate even moderate level physical activity.

Decreased Energy Levels

People with low ferritin problems also experience sudden loss of energy. They feel exhausted from day-to-day routine. The stamina to perform any physical activity diminishes considerably.

Hair Loss

As ferritin levels dip below the normal range, premature hair loss is bound to occur. Hair follicles (pouches from where hair strands emerge) contain an important constituent, ferritin. However, with depleting ferritin levels, hair growth is adversely affected.

Thyroid Problems

Patients suffering from hypothyroidism are actually diagnosed with low thyroid levels. It is observed that the thyroid gland doesn't work properly if ferritin is below normal levels. As a result, the thyroid gland is unable to produce hormones in sufficient amounts. This condition is known as hypothyroidism and causes a wide range of health problems including irregular bowel movement and fatigue.

Pale Cold Skin

Ferritin is also present in the skin, just below the epidermis. Presence of ferritin in normal amounts is very important for a healthy skin. However, as the ferritin levels decrease, the skin appears dry and pale.

Brittle Nails

Ferritin deficiency can also make the nails brittle. The nails tend to break easily as they become weak due to inadequate ferritin levels in the body. Basically, low ferritin levels causes iron deficiency, which often leads to nail abnormalities.

Breathing Problems

Symptoms may aggravate when low ferritin levels leads to severe iron deficiency. Difficulty breathing is the likely outcome of untreated ferritin deficiency. This is because, iron in blood plays a crucial role to transport adequate oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body. No wonder, in the presence of low iron levels, people may find it difficult to breathe properly.

Pagophagia

This is an eating disorder, in which the person is more interested in consuming ice rather than nutritious food. The person develops an unusual craving for ice, which is the result of iron deficiency. Due to decrease in iron storing proteins (ferritin), the body becomes deficient in iron. According to reports iron taste better in people diagnosed with iron deficiency.

Treatment

In order to improve the patient's condition, it is essential to correct iron deficiency. Depleting iron stores causes significant loss of iron. So in order to elevate iron levels, following are the treatment options:

Iron Supplements

This is the most commonly prescribed treatment for low ferritin levels. Taking iron supplements is often recommended to resolve iron deficiency problems. However, knowing the supplemental dosage required to treat low ferritin levels is necessary and it differs from person to person. Keep in mind that overdose of iron has to be avoided as it can cause serious health problems. So to be on the safer side, it is imperative to contact a doctor to know the correct dosage. The doctor will perform a ferritin test to determine ferritin levels and then accordingly decide the appropriate iron dose.

Iron Rich Foods

A natural way to boost ferritin levels is to have iron rich foods on a daily basis. Having foods high in iron such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, collards), dried fruits (raisins, prunes) and egg yolks can certainly help to resolve the issue.

Although the aforementioned treatment options for ferritin deficiency work to enhance ferritin levels, the results are not noticed immediately. With regular intake of iron supplements, ferritin levels may return to normal range within 3-4 months of treatment.

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