Ferritin 4.8 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 4.8 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 4.8 in pregnancy.Published Date : 2024-04-02T19:24:21.681Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-02T19:24:21.681+00:00
Table of Contents
What is Ferritin?
How is Ferritin measured?
What are the causes of ferritin of 4.8?
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 4.8 graded?
What does a ferritin level of 4.8 mean?
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 4.8?
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 4.8
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 4.8 ?
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein essential for iron storage. It is mainly produced in the liver and spleen. Iron from foods like red meat, legumes, and whole grains impacts ferritin levels. Its function is to securely store iron, releasing it when the body needs iron for processes like oxygen transport and supporting overall metabolic activities.
How is Ferritin measured?
To measure ferritin, a blood sample is taken, with fasting recommended for preparation. In labs, techniques like radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are frequently utilized to accurately quantify ferritin levels and assess iron status.
What are the causes of ferritin of 4.8?
Ferritin of 4.8 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.
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.
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.
Malabsorption Disorders
Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or inflammatory bowel disease can impair the absorption of iron, contributing 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.
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.
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.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Impaired production of erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia and low serum ferritin levels.
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.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 4.8 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 4.8 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 4.8 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 4.8 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 4.8 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 4.8 is lower than normal. |
Reference : Ferritin normal ranges in children.
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range | Inference | Ferritin : 4.8 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 PregnancyGestational Diabetes Mellitus and relation to Ferritin
What are the normal ranges in adult men?
| Range | Inference | Ferritin : 4.8 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 : 4.8 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 4.8 mean?
A level of ferritin 4.8 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 4.8 good?
Ferritin 4.8 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 4.8 bad?
Ferritin 4.8 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.8 dangerous?
Ferritin 4.8 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.8 low?
Ferritin 4.8 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 4.8?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 4.8. 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.
Potato, baked, flesh and skin
Consider getting upto 1 medium potato per day.
Mushrooms, white, sliced and stir-fried
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Lentils, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Spinach, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 4.8
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 4.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) | Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) | Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| White beans, canned, 1 cup | Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce | Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| White beans, canned, 1 cup | Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) | Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce | Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce | Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 4.8 ?
A ferritin of 4.8 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing
Frequent infections
Increased susceptibility to infections
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Heart palpitations
Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or dizzy
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless
Poor appetite
Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite
Restless legs syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
Reviewed By - Dr.Bhargav Raut
Dr.Bhargav Raut is a qualified Pathologist, with over 5 years of experience in the field
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