Ferritin 5.3 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 5.3 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 5.3 in pregnancy.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a key player in iron storage within your body. It is produced primarily in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Dietary sources of iron, including beef, lentils, and leafy greens, contribute to ferritin levels. Its function is to store iron securely, releasing it when needed for vital processes such as supporting red blood cell production and energy metabolism.
How is Ferritin measured?
Ferritin measurement involves a blood test, and preparation may include fasting. Labs commonly use techniques like chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) or immunoturbidimetry to analyze blood samples and determine the concentration of ferritin accurately.
What are the causes of ferritin of 5.3?
Ferritin of 5.3 have different causes, as listed below.
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.
Thyroid Disorders
Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.
Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can interfere with iron metabolism, resulting in 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.
Chronic Infections
Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading to 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.
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.
Menstrual Blood Loss
Excessive menstrual bleeding in women can lead to iron deficiency and low serum ferritin levels, particularly if dietary iron intake is insufficient.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Impaired production of erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia and low serum ferritin levels.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 5.3 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 5.3 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 5.3 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 5.3 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 5.3 is within normal limits |
| 5 to 14 years |
13.7 - 78.8 |
If your child is aged between 5 years - 14 years, a ferritin level of 5.3 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 5.3 |
| <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 : 5.3 |
| <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 : 5.3 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 5.3 mean?
A level of ferritin 5.3 is considered to be below normal, and it means that your body has insufficient stores of iron. Ferritin is the storage form of iron in the human body and its value typically reflects how much iron we have. A value of 5.3 means that you dont have sufficient iron stores.
Is ferritin 5.3 good?
Ferritin 5.3 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 5.3 bad?
Ferritin 5.3 is not healthy and may be accompanied by iron deficiency
Is ferritin 5.3 dangerous?
Ferritin 5.3 while not classifiable as dangerous, can pose risks to you depending on other factors.
Is ferritin 5.3 low?
Ferritin 5.3 is quite low and will likely be accompanied by symptoms of fatigue and tiredness.
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 5.3?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 5.3. 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.
Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids
Consider getting upto 1 ounce per day.
Lentils, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Rice, white, long grain, enriched, parboiled, drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Cantaloupe, diced
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 5.3
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 5.3
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.3
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.3
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.3
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.3
| 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 |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.3
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.3
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 5.3 ?
A ferritin of 5.3 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Fatigue
Feeling tired and lacking energy
Brittle nails
Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking
Frequent infections
Increased susceptibility to infections
Pica
Eating non-food items like ice, dirt, or clay
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut