Ferritin 2.4 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

By: Dr.Bhargav Raut
2024-03-31T19:24:21.681+00:00

In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 2.4 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 2.4 in pregnancy. Ferritin 2.4 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

Ferritin 2.4 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that holds onto iron in your body. It is primarily produced in the liver and spleen. Dietary sources of iron, including beans, spinach, and poultry, contribute to ferritin levels. Its function is to store iron, releasing it when your body needs iron for functions like oxygen transport and energy production.

How is Ferritin measured?

Measuring ferritin involves a blood test, often after fasting. Preparation is key for accurate results. Labs utilize techniques like enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or chemiluminescence to analyze blood samples and assess ferritin levels precisely.

What are the causes of ferritin of 2.4?

Ferritin of 2.4 have different causes, as listed below.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes excessive iron absorption, leading to iron overload and subsequent low serum ferritin levels.

Thyroid Disorders

Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.

Inadequate Dietary Iron Intake

Low consumption of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, or iron-fortified foods, can lead to insufficient iron levels and a decline in serum ferritin.

Inflammatory Conditions

Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can interfere with iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels.

Liver Diseases

Conditions like chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can impact iron storage in the liver, leading to low serum ferritin levels.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Chronic bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, often from conditions like peptic ulcers or colorectal cancer, can result in iron loss and low serum ferritin levels.

Blood Donation

Regular blood donation without adequate iron replacement can deplete serum ferritin levels, as each donation removes a portion of the body's iron stores.

Hookworm Infection

Parasitic infections, including hookworms, can cause chronic blood loss and iron deficiency, leading to low serum ferritin levels.

Chronic Infections

Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading to low serum ferritin levels.

Pregnancy

Increased iron demand during pregnancy may result in low serum ferritin levels if dietary intake is not adequately supplemented to meet the heightened requirements.

What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 2.4 graded?

Normal Ranges of Ferritin vary according to the age and gender. The ranges are considerably different in adults, children and pregnant women. Refer to the tables below for your exact range.

What are the normal ranges in children?

Age Range	Reference Range (ug/L)	Is your child deficient?
4 to 15 days	99.6 - 717.0	If your child is aged between 4 days - 15 days, a ferritin level of 2.4 is lower than normal.
15 days to 6 months	14.0 - 647.2	If your child is aged between 15 days - 6 months, a ferritin level of 2.4 is lower than normal.
6 months to 1 year	8.4 - 181.9	If your child is aged between 6 months - 1 year, a ferritin level of 2.4 is lower than normal.
1 to 5 years	5.3 - 99.9	If your child is aged between 1 year - 5 years, a ferritin level of 2.4 is lower than normal.
5 to 14 years	13.7 - 78.8	If your child is aged between 5 years - 14 years, a ferritin level of 2.4 is lower than normal.

Reference : Ferritin normal ranges in children.

What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?

Range	Inference	Ferritin : 2.4
<12	Low Ferritin - Anemia	You are here
12 to 45	Normal Ferritin
More than 45	High Ferritin - Could lead to diabetes in pregnancy

Reference : Ferritin and Anemia in Pregnancy Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and relation to Ferritin

What are the normal ranges in adult men?

Range	Inference	Ferritin : 2.4
<15	Low Ferritin - Anemia	You are here
>15 - 35	Below Normal but not anemia
35 - 220	Normal
>220	Higher than normal

Reference : Ferritin Reference Ranges in Adults

What are the normal ranges in adult women?

Range	Inference	Ferritin : 2.4
<15	Low Ferritin - Anemia	You are here
15 to 136	Normal Ferritin
More than 136	High Ferritin

Reference : Ferritin Reference Ranges in Adults

What does a ferritin level of 2.4 mean?

A level of ferritin 2.4 is considered to be below detectable levels and is a cause for concern. Such low values of ferritin may be seen only in prolonged illnesses, or after excessive bleeding or other chronic diseases. This value may fall below the level that analyzers can detect and such it may only be an estimation of the actual value. You should get early clinical guidance on what to do next.

Is ferritin 2.4 good?

Ferritin 2.4 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.

Is ferritin 2.4 bad?

Ferritin 2.4 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.

Is ferritin 2.4 dangerous?

Ferritin 2.4 may be dangerous as it is below the measurable range of ferritin. Consult your doctor at soonest.

Is ferritin 2.4 low?

Ferritin 2.4 is dangerously low, and may be below the minimum measurable limit of detection by analyzers

What foods will help increase a ferritin of 2.4?

The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 2.4. However, it is important to remember that