Ferritin 4.4 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 4.4 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 4.4 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 4.4?
Ferritin of 4.4 have different causes, as listed below.
Vegetarian or Vegan Diets
Vegetarian or vegan diets may lack sufficient heme iron, contributing to lower iron absorption and resulting in low serum ferritin levels.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Impaired production of erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia and low serum ferritin levels.
Intravenous Iron Therapy
While rare, excessive iron supplementation through intravenous therapy can lead to iron overload and low serum ferritin levels.
Medications
Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids, can interfere with 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.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes excessive iron absorption, leading to iron overload and subsequent low serum ferritin levels.
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.
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.
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.
Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can interfere with iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 4.4 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 4.4 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 4.4 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 4.4 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 4.4 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 4.4 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 4.4 |
| <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 : 4.4 |
| <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 : 4.4 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 4.4 mean?
A level of ferritin 4.4 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 4.4 good?
Ferritin 4.4 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 4.4 bad?
Ferritin 4.4 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.4 dangerous?
Ferritin 4.4 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.4 low?
Ferritin 4.4 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 4.4?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 4.4. 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.
Chicken, roasted, meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Spinach, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Nuts, pistachio, dry roasted
Consider getting upto 1 ounce (49 nuts) per day.
Tuna, light, canned in water
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Cashew nuts, oil roasted
Consider getting upto 1 ounce (18 nuts) per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 4.4
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 4.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 4.4 ?
A ferritin of 4.4 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances
Desire to eat items with no nutritional value
Soreness or inflammation of the tongue
Pain or swelling in the tongue
Poor appetite
Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
Brittle nails
Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking
Cold hands and feet
Extremities feeling cold to touch
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Heart palpitations
Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut