Ferritin 1.7 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 1.7 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 1.7 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?
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 1.7?
Ferritin of 1.7 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.
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.
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.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes excessive iron absorption, leading to iron overload and subsequent 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.
Hookworm Infection
Parasitic infections, including hookworms, can cause chronic blood loss and iron deficiency, 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.
Chronic Infections
Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading to 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.
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 1.7 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 1.7 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 1.7 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 1.7 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 1.7 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 1.7 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 1.7 |
| <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 : 1.7 |
| <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 : 1.7 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 1.7 mean?
A level of ferritin 1.7 is considered to be below detectable levels and is a cause for concern. Such low values of ferritin may be seen only in prolonged illnesses, or after excessive bleeding or other chronic diseases. This value may fall below the level that analyzers can detect and such it may only be an estimation of the actual value. You should get early clinical guidance on what to do next.
Is ferritin 1.7 good?
Ferritin 1.7 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 1.7 bad?
Ferritin 1.7 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 1.7 dangerous?
Ferritin 1.7 may be dangerous as it is below the measurable range of ferritin. Consult your doctor at soonest.
Is ferritin 1.7 low?
Ferritin 1.7 is dangerously low, and may be below the minimum measurable limit of detection by analyzers
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 1.7?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 1.7. 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.
Cheese, cottage, 2% milk fat
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Rice, white, long grain, enriched, parboiled, drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Potato, baked, flesh and skin
Consider getting upto 1 medium potato per day.
Tomatoes, canned, stewed
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Chicken, roasted, meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 1.7
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 1.7
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 1.7
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 1.7
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 1.7
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 1.7
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 1.7
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce |
Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 1.7
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 1.7 ?
A ferritin of 1.7 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Soreness or inflammation of the tongue
Pain or swelling in the tongue
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Fatigue
Feeling tired and lacking energy
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Brittle nails
Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking
Cold hands and feet
Extremities feeling cold to touch
Frequent infections
Increased susceptibility to infections
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances
Desire to eat items with no nutritional value
Restless legs syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut