Low Ferritin Levels: Understanding the Cause and Taking Action. Why One Test Isn’t Enough?
Low ferritin levels may indicate a deficiency of iron in the body, and it is important not only to establish this fact but also to understand the underlying causes. Iron supplementation for 2-3 months may provide temporary relief, but without addressing the root cause of the problem, you will soon encounter the same situation again.
Why is ferritin low?
The first step is to undergo diagnostic testing. It is not enough to check only ferritin or hemoglobin levels. Other indicators, such as a complete blood count, levels of vitamins B12 and Folate, homocysteine, total protein, as well as zinc and copper, should also be considered. A complete iron panel is the minimum required to understand your body's condition.
Limitation of using hemoglobin as a marker
It is essential to understand that hemoglobin levels can only reveal iron deficiency at later stages. Therefore, do not rely solely on this indicator. Even if your hemoglobin is within the normal range, it does not mean that you are free from iron deficiency.
Possible causes of deficiency:
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Endometriosis can significantly contribute to iron deficiency through chronic, heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged, intense menstrual periods.
Insufficient Dietary Iron: Low intake of iron-rich foods that limits the body's iron stores.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian or vegan diets that may lack heme iron sources.
Cofactor Deficiencies: Iron absorption and metabolism depend critically on copper, zinc, folate, B12, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients.
Absorption Issues: Deficiencies in B vitamins, protein, or other nutrients can hinder iron absorption and ferritin storage. Gastrointestinal disorders can further complicate nutrient uptake.
Inflammatory Processes: Chronic gastrointestinal diseases or persistent inflammation can interfere with iron accumulation and metabolic processes.
It's important to note that low ferritin levels can also be associated with deficiencies in vitamins B9 and B12, which can impact cognitive function, energy levels, and immunity. In such cases, simply taking iron supplements may not be enough.
Action Plan
Identify the cause: Determine what is causing the deficiency - poor nutrition, absorption issues, or chronic diseases. For example, celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. This damage affects the absorption of various nutrients, including iron. Or many women with endometriosis experience heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia), which can lead to significant blood loss and, consequently, iron deficiency.
Supplementation: After thorough diagnostics, work with a practitioner to select the appropriate nutraceuticals in the correct dosage.
Regular check-ups: If you take supplements, regular check-ups are essential to monitor ferritin levels and other indicators to assess the effectiveness of the chosen therapy.
Essential Guidelines for Taking Supplements
Iron supplementation should not be isolated. It is crucial that multivitamin complexes include vitamins C, B vitamins, zinc, and other nutrients necessary for iron absorption. Additionally, be aware that high ferritin levels may indicate inflammation, in which case iron supplements may be contraindicated.
If you take iron supplements, be sure not to combine them with dairy products or coffee, as both can inhibit iron absorption.
Iron-rich foods
To increase ferritin levels, it is important to include both heme and non-heme iron in your diet:
Heme iron (better absorbed): red meat, liver, chicken, turkey and others.
Non-heme iron: legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, whole grains.
Low ferritin levels are a signal that should not be ignored. Conduct thorough diagnostics, identify the cause of the deficiency, and follow a comprehensive treatment plan with a specialist. Regular monitoring will help you effectively maintain your health.
If you still have questions and would like to receive a personalized plan, please sign up for a discovery call. I’ll be happy to discuss how I can help you!