Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. If you have low levels of ferritin, it means that your body is running low on iron and may not be able to produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.

Low ferritin levels can lead to anemia and cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. In this article, we will discuss the causes of low ferritin levels and how to address this underlying issue.

What Are the Causes of Low Ferritin Levels?

There are several factors that can cause low ferritin levels:.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. It can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet, blood loss, or other underlying conditions such as kidney disease or cancer.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women require more iron to support the growth and development of their fetus. If they don’t get enough iron from their diet or supplements, their ferritin levels may decrease.

Blood Donation

Regular blood donors may experience low ferritin levels due to the loss of iron from blood donation.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to a loss of iron in the body. This can be caused by conditions such as ulcers, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Malabsorption Syndrome

Malabsorption syndrome is a condition where the body is unable to absorb nutrients from food properly. This condition can cause low ferritin levels and is often caused by digestive disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding may lose more iron than their body can replenish, leading to low ferritin levels.

Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

Iron from plant-based sources is not as easily absorbed by the body as iron from animal sources. Vegetarians and vegans may not get enough iron from their diet, which can lead to low ferritin levels.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease can lead to a decrease in the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Without enough red blood cells, the body may not be able to transport oxygen effectively, leading to low ferritin levels.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. This condition can lead to high levels of ferritin and iron in the body, which can be toxic to the organs and tissues.

How to Address Low Ferritin Levels?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low ferritin levels, a simple blood test can determine your iron status. If your ferritin levels are low, your healthcare provider will work with you to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.

Here are some common treatments for low ferritin levels:.

Iron Supplements

If your low ferritin levels are caused by a lack of iron in your diet, your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplements.

Iron supplements can come in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids and should be taken with vitamin C to aid in absorption.

Iron-Rich Diet

Consuming iron-rich foods can help increase your ferritin levels. Good sources of iron include red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts and seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals and grains.

Blood Transfusion

If your low ferritin levels are caused by severe anemia, your healthcare provider may recommend a blood transfusion to quickly replenish your body’s iron levels.

Treating Underlying Conditions

If your low ferritin levels are caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease or celiac disease, treating that condition may help improve your ferritin levels.

Conclusion

Low ferritin levels can have serious health consequences, including anemia and fatigue. If you suspect that you have low ferritin levels, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment for low ferritin levels may include iron supplements, an iron-rich diet, or addressing underlying conditions.