Pale Skin, Hair Fall, Or Frequent Exhaustion? Ferritin Test May Help Diagnose Iron Deficiency

Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron and serves as an indicator of the body’s iron stores. It plays a crucial role in regulating iron levels, ensuring that the body has enough for essential functions such as oxygen transport, energy production, and immune response.
A ferritin test is a simple blood test used to measure the amount of ferritin in your blood. It helps assess how much iron your body has stored. The test involves drawing a small blood sample from a vein, usually in your arm, which is then analysed in a laboratory. A low ferritin level is one of the earliest indicators of iron deficiency, even before it progresses to anaemia.

Why is the Ferritin Test Important for Diagnosing Iron Deficiency?

The ferritin test is vital for the following reasons

• Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide.
• It often goes unnoticed until more severe symptoms appear.
• The ferritin test provides a more sensitive and early indicator of iron deficiency compared to other iron-related tests.
• Low ferritin levels usually indicate depleted iron stores, even if haemoglobin levels are still normal.

This makes the ferritin test valuable for identifying early-stage iron deficiency before it progresses to iron deficiency anaemia.

• Early detection through the ferritin test allows for timely dietary changes or iron supplementation.
• Addressing iron deficiency early can help prevent serious complications such as fatigue, cognitive impairment and reduced immunity.

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Common Signs You May Need a Ferritin Test

Many people are unaware that their symptoms may be linked to iron deficiency. Common signs that may prompt your healthcare provider to order a ferritin test include:

• Persistent fatigue or tiredness
• Pale or sallow skin
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Brittle nails
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent headaches or dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Poor concentration or memory issues
• Certain groups are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency and may particularly benefit from a ferritin test:
• Women with heavy menstrual periods: Regular blood loss can reduce iron stores over time.
• Pregnant women: Increased iron demand to support the growing foetus.
• Vegetarians and vegans: Plant-based diets may lack sufficient bioavailable iron.

Individuals with chronic illnesses: Conditions like chronic kidney disease, coeliac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease can affect iron absorption or increase iron loss.

Frequent blood donors: Regular donation can deplete iron reserves.

How to Prepare for a Ferritin Test?

In most cases, no special preparation is required for a ferritin test. However, your doctor may give you specific instructions based on your health condition or if other tests are being performed simultaneously.

Fasting Requirements

Fasting is usually not necessary unless the test is part of a broader iron study, which may include serum iron, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). In such cases, fasting for 8 to 12 hours may be advised.

Medications or Supplements to Avoid

Iron supplements and certain medications can influence test results. You should inform your healthcare provider about any medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, that you are taking. They may recommend pausing iron supplements 24 to 48 hours before the test for more accurate readings.

What to Expect During the Ferritin Test Procedure?

A ferritin test is quick, simple, and minimally invasive. Here is what typically happens:

• A healthcare professional will ask you to sit or lie down and extend your arm.
• They will clean the area, usually the inside of your elbow, with an antiseptic wipe.
• A tourniquet (elastic band) is wrapped around your upper arm to make the vein more prominent.
• A sterile needle is inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood is drawn into a vial.
• The sample is labelled and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The entire process takes only a few minutes. You might feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted and possibly minor discomfort, but it generally resolves quickly.

Understanding Your Ferritin Test Results

Ferritin levels are measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). Normal reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories, but typical values are:

• Men: 24 to 336 ng/mL
• Women: 11 to 307 ng/mL

What Low Ferritin Levels Indicate

A low ferritin level is a strong indicator of iron deficiency. It suggests that your body’s iron stores are depleting, even if your haemoglobin levels are normal. This condition is known as latent iron deficiency and can progress to iron deficiency anaemia if left untreated.

• What High Ferritin Levels Indicate
• High ferritin levels can occur due to:
• Inflammatory conditions (e.g., infections, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Liver disease
• Haemochromatosis (a genetic disorder causing iron overload)
• Certain types of cancer

Because ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, levels may rise in response to inflammation or illness, even in the absence of iron overload. Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to determine the underlying cause.

How Altered Ferritin Levels Are Managed

Management of altered ferritin levels depends on whether the levels are low or high. When ferritin levels are low, treatment usually focuses on increasing iron intake. This can be achieved through dietary changes, such as consuming more iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, and spinach, or through iron supplements prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is also important to identify and address any underlying causes, such as blood loss or issues with iron absorption, to ensure effective treatment. On the other hand, high ferritin levels may signal inflammation, liver conditions, or iron overload disorders. In such cases, further evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause, and treatment will be tailored accordingly. Regular monitoring of ferritin levels helps guide ongoing management and ensures that any adjustments in treatment are made promptly.

Conclusion

A ferritin test is a vital tool for the early detection of iron deficiency. It is simple, cost-effective, and provides valuable insights into your body’s iron stores. Identifying low ferritin levels early on can help prevent more serious health issues, including iron deficiency anaemia, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as pale skin, chronic tiredness, or hair fall, speak with your healthcare provider about whether a ferritin test is right for you. Taking proactive steps towards understanding your iron status is an important part of maintaining overall health and well-being.

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