Ferritin deficiency is a deficiency of the ferritin protein that enables the storage of iron mineral in the body. It is seen when there is iron deficiency.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron mineral and releases iron into the body when needed. Whether there is iron deficiency in the body is decided by looking at ferritin values. If ferritin deficiency is seen, it means there is iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is also colloquially known as anemia. For some reasons, ferritin levels may decrease or increase. It is possible to understand this with blood tests.
What are the Causes of Ferritin Deficiency?
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- Iron deficiency
- Excessive smoking
- Blood loss
- Chronic diseases
- Not consuming foods containing iron mineral
- Disorders in iron absorption or storage
- Malnutrition
- Digestive system diseases
- Celiac disease
- Alcohol use
- Excessive consumption of tea and coffee
- Vitamin C deficiency
What are the Symptoms of Ferritin Deficiency?
- Low energy
- Hair loss
- Dizziness
- Chronic headaches
- Leg pain
- Psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression
- Tinnitus
- Skin discoloration
- Weakness of unknown cause
- Quick fatigue
- Aggression
- Nail sensitivity and breakage
- Fatigue of unknown cause
- Shortness of breath
- Skin dryness
It is one of the symptoms of ferritin deficiency. When these symptoms are observed, a specialist should be consulted.
How is Ferritin Deficiency Treatment?
Ferritin deficiency is diagnosed when ferritin values are found to be below ferritin values as a result of a blood test. Symptoms can be annoying and treatment can be applied to bring it to normal values. Ferritin deficiency can be treated with iron pills, blood-forming syrups and vitamin supplements. Sometimes just taking vitamins is not enough, in which case the patient is advised to pay attention to their diet and consume blood-forming foods and foods containing iron minerals. If the patient has a disease or bleeding that causes blood loss, ferritin values are expected to reach normal levels with the treatment of these. When ferritin deficiency progresses too far, the patient may be considered for a blood transfusion.
What should be done to eliminate and prevent ferritin deficiency?
- Iron-forming foods should be consumed, especially red meat consumption should be increased.
- Tea and coffee should not be consumed immediately after meals. There is no harm in consuming at least two hours after meals.
- Diet should not be applied without heavy and doctor control.
- If a vegan or vegetarian diet is followed, nutritional supplements should be taken.
- Foods containing vitamin C should be consumed.
- Excessive menstrual bleeding should be treated.
- Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
