Ferritin 5.9 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 5.9 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 5.9 in pregnancy.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a crucial protein that stores iron in your body. It is produced primarily in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Iron-rich foods like beef, lentils, and leafy greens contribute to ferritin levels. Its function is to store iron safely, releasing it when your body requires iron for activities 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 5.9?
Ferritin of 5.9 have different causes, as listed below.
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.
Intravenous Iron Therapy
While rare, excessive iron supplementation through intravenous therapy can lead to iron overload and low serum ferritin levels.
Hookworm Infection
Parasitic infections, including hookworms, can cause chronic blood loss and iron deficiency, 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.
Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can interfere with iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 5.9 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 5.9 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 5.9 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 5.9 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 5.9 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 5.9 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 5.9 |
| <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 : 5.9 |
| <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 : 5.9 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 5.9 mean?
A level of ferritin 5.9 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 5.9 means that you dont have sufficient iron stores.
Is ferritin 5.9 good?
Ferritin 5.9 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 5.9 bad?
Ferritin 5.9 is not healthy and may be accompanied by iron deficiency
Is ferritin 5.9 dangerous?
Ferritin 5.9 while not classifiable as dangerous, can pose risks to you depending on other factors.
Is ferritin 5.9 low?
Ferritin 5.9 is quite low and will likely be accompanied by symptoms of fatigue and tiredness.
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 5.9?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 5.9. 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.
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Bread, whole wheat
Consider getting upto 1 slice per day.
Tofu, firm
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Kidney beans, canned
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Egg, hard-boiled
Consider getting upto 1 large per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 5.9
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 5.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 5.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 5.9 ?
A ferritin of 5.9 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Restless legs syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
Pica
Eating non-food items like ice, dirt, or clay
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless
Heart palpitations
Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat
Cold hands and feet
Extremities feeling cold to touch
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or dizzy
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut