Ferritin 4.0 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 4.0 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 4.0 in pregnancy.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein responsible for iron storage. It is produced in organs like the liver and spleen. Dietary sources of iron, such as poultry, beans, and fortified cereals, impact ferritin levels. Its function is to store iron securely, releasing it when the body needs iron for processes like supporting immune function and energy production.
How is Ferritin measured?
To measure ferritin, a blood sample is collected, with fasting recommended for preparation. In labs, techniques like radioimmunoassay (RIA) or electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) are commonly used to accurately quantify ferritin levels in the blood.
What are the causes of ferritin of 4.0?
Ferritin of 4.0 have different causes, as listed below.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of low serum ferritin levels, indicating a shortage of iron to produce sufficient hemoglobin. This condition often results from inadequate iron intake or absorption.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Impaired production of erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia 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.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Surgical procedures that alter the digestive system, such as gastric bypass surgery, can impact iron absorption, leading to low serum ferritin levels.
Hookworm Infection
Parasitic infections, including hookworms, can cause chronic blood loss and iron deficiency, leading to low serum ferritin levels.
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.
Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis is a condition where the immune system damages the stomach lining, affecting iron absorption and contributing 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.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Infection with H. pylori in the stomach may lead to gastritis and impaired iron absorption, contributing 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 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 4.0 |
| <12 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 12 to 45 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 45 |
High Ferritin - Could lead to diabetes in pregnancy |
|
What are the normal ranges in adult men?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 4.0 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| >15 - 35 |
Below Normal but not anemia |
|
| 35 - 220 |
Normal |
|
| >220 |
Higher than normal |
|
What are the normal ranges in adult women?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 4.0 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 4.0 mean?
A level of ferritin 4.0 is considered to be very low, and you will probably be experiencing various symptoms related to iron deficiency. This means that the amount of iron in your body is greatly reduced and may have been so for a long time.
Is ferritin 4.0 good?
Ferritin 4.0 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 4.0 bad?
Ferritin 4.0 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.0 dangerous?
Ferritin 4.0 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.0 low?
Ferritin 4.0 is very low, and you will experience various symptoms of iron deficiency like tiredness, fatigue, difficulty climbing stairs, breathlessness, repeated infections.
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 4.0?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 4.0. However, it is important to remember that
Breakfast cereals, fortified with 100% of the DV for iron
Consider getting upto 1 serving per day.
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
White beans, canned
Consider getting upto 1 cup per day.
Beef liver, pan-fried
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Nuts, pistachio, dry roasted
Consider getting upto 1 ounce (49 nuts) per day.
Bread, whole wheat
Consider getting upto 1 slice per day.
Lentils, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Tuna, light, canned in water
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Tomatoes, canned, stewed
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 4.0
Low levels of ferritin cannot be managed by diet alone. More often that not, iron supplments are required. Consult your doctor for appropriate medical advice. The following diet plans may help to supplement iron in your food.
Monday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.0
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.0
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.0
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.0
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.0
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.0
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.0
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 4.0 ?
A ferritin of 4.0 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Cold hands and feet
Extremities feeling cold to touch
Cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica)
Desire to eat ice, clay, or other non-food items
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Fatigue
Feeling tired and lacking energy
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances
Desire to eat items with no nutritional value
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Restless legs syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut