Low Ferritin: What It Means and What to Do Next
Low ferritin (below 30 ng/mL) means your iron stores are depleted. Ferritin drops before hemoglobin does, so you can have low ferritin without anemia. Low ferritin commonly causes fatigue, hair loss, restless legs, and poor concentration, and is correctable with supplementation.
What Causes Low Ferritin?
Inadequate Dietary Iron
Vegetarian/vegan diets, restrictive eating, or low intake of iron-rich foods (red meat, legumes, fortified cereals).
Blood Loss
Heavy menstrual periods are the most common cause in premenopausal women. GI bleeding is an important cause in men and postmenopausal women.
Malabsorption
Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastric bypass surgery reduce iron absorption.
Increased Demand
Pregnancy, rapid growth (adolescents), and endurance athletics increase iron requirements.
Associated Symptoms
What to Do Next
1. Retest to confirm
A single abnormal result should be confirmed with a repeat test. Temporary factors like stress, illness, or medications can affect results.
2. Related tests to consider
3. When to see a doctor
If your Ferritin is significantly abnormal, if you have severe symptoms, or if repeated results confirm the abnormality, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Related Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.
Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.