Irregular ferritin ranges don’t essentially imply there’s a major problem — weight loss program and medicines can generally affect check outcomes. For example, the tannins (naturally occurring plant compounds) in espresso, wine, and black tea can block iron absorption within the physique, which may result in decrease ferritin ranges.
Equally, medicines used to deal with gastroesophageal reflux illness (a persistent situation that happens when abdomen acid rises into the esophagus) can result in low ferritin ranges when taken long run, says Odogwu.
However there could also be different causes your ferritin check outcomes could also be irregular. “Ferritin ranges ought to be interpreted by a medical skilled, equivalent to your major care doctor or a hematologist, as context is essential,” Dr. Metheny says.
Right here’s why your ferritin could also be too low or excessive, and easy methods to get again within the regular vary.
Regular Ferritin Ranges
Girls: 30 to 150 nanograms (ng) per liter (L)
Males: 30 to 300 ng/L
Whereas the above ferritin ranges are perfect for most individuals, there is no such thing as a universally accepted “regular,” and ferritin reference ranges fluctuate amongst laboratories. “Some labs nonetheless report ranges under 30 as regular,” says Odogwu. “This will trigger individuals with iron deficiency to endure with out correct remedy.”
It’s greatest to have your outcomes interpreted by your healthcare supplier within the context of your total well being and medical historical past.
Low Ferritin Ranges
Anybody: Lower than 30 ng/L (although this could fluctuate relying on the lab and the way the outcomes are interpreted)
In case your ferritin ranges are low, it’s possible you’ll expertise the next signs:
Fatigue
Fast heartbeat
Dizziness
Unusually pale pores and skin
Weak point
Shortness of breath
In keeping with Metheny, causes of low ferritin ranges might embody:
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Iron deficiency
Donating blood often
Intestinal situations that inhibit the absorption of iron (equivalent to Crohn’s illness)
When left untreated, low ferritin can result in well being situations, equivalent to stressed legs syndrome (RLS, a neurological dysfunction that causes an urge to maneuver the legs when at relaxation). Whereas causes of RLS aren’t properly understood, it’s thought that low ranges of dopamine, a mind chemical that’s used to manage motion, might contribute.
As iron performs a task in creating dopamine, a deficiency might enhance your danger of RLS.
Low ferritin may also trigger pica, a psychological well being situation that includes craving nonfood gadgets, equivalent to dust or paper. Some researchers hypothesize that individuals crave nonfoods to compensate for deficiencies in particular minerals, together with iron, zinc, and calcium.
As iron performs a significant function in immune well being, a persistent deficiency may also enhance your danger of an infection and sickness.
Low ferritin ranges are usually handled with an oral iron complement, Odogwu says. Typically, in doses of 150 to 200 mg per day. However individuals with intestinal points or ailments that have an effect on iron absorption may have iron delivered intravenously by an IV.
Excessive Ferritin Ranges
Girls: Greater than 200 ng/L
Males: Greater than 400 ng/L
When you have excessive ferritin ranges, it’s possible you’ll expertise:
Joint ache
Stomach discomfort
Hair loss
Fatigue
Unexplained weight reduction
Lack of libido
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Excessive ferritin ranges can have a number of causes, says Metheny. These embody:
Irritation within the physique
An excessive amount of pink meat
Hemochromatosis
Overuse of iron dietary supplements
Excessive ferritin and iron ranges may cause problems if left untreated, says Odogwu. These embody:
Diabetes
Liver fibrosis
Liver cirrhosis
Coronary heart muscle abnormalities
Joint abnormalities
Elevated danger of liver most cancers
If iron overload is the reason for your excessive ferritin ranges, remedy will contain eradicating 500 milliliters (ml) of blood from the physique as soon as every week till iron ranges return to regular vary, Odogwu says. As soon as ferritin ranges attain 50 to 100 ng/L, individuals with hemochromatosis obtain blood attracts each three months to keep up wholesome ferritin ranges, she notes. However some individuals might solely want to do that two or 3 times a 12 months.
Apparently, some individuals who obtain blood transfusions to deal with sure sorts of anemia might develop secondary hemochromatosis (a situation the place extreme iron builds up on account of therapies slightly than genetics). On this case, eradicating blood isn’t an applicable remedy. Medical doctors will as an alternative prescribe a chelating agent, or a medication that binds to iron and lets you go any extra quantities by urine.
You should definitely talk about your check outcomes together with your physician, in addition to the most effective remedy choices on your particular person wants.
