Ferritin 11.3 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 11.3 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 11.3 in pregnancy.
Published Date : 2024-04-09T19:24:21.681Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-09T19:24:21.681+00:00
Table of Contents
What is Ferritin?
How is Ferritin measured?
What are the causes of ferritin of 11.3?
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 11.3 graded?
What does a ferritin level of 11.3 mean?
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 11.3?
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 11.3
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 11.3 ?
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?
A blood test is conducted to measure ferritin levels. Fasting beforehand is often advised for preparation. Labs use techniques such as chemiluminescent or immunoturbidimetric assays to analyze blood samples and assess ferritin concentration precisely.
What are the causes of ferritin of 11.3?
Ferritin of 11.3 have different causes, as listed below.
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.
Thyroid Disorders
Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.
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.
Medications
Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids, can interfere with iron absorption, 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.
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.
Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis is a condition where the immune system damages the stomach lining, affecting iron absorption and contributing to low serum ferritin levels.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 11.3 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 11.3 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 11.3 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 11.3 is within normal limits |
| 1 to 5 years | 5.3 - 99.9 | If your child is aged between 1 year - 5 years, a ferritin level of 11.3 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 11.3 is lower than normal. |
Reference : Ferritin normal ranges in children.
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range | Inference | Ferritin : 11.3 |
|---|---|---|
| <12 | Low Ferritin - Anemia | |
| 12 to 45 | Normal Ferritin | You are here |
| 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 : 11.3 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 : 11.3 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 11.3 mean?
A level of ferritin 11.3 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 11.3 means that you dont have sufficient iron stores.
Is ferritin 11.3 good?
Ferritin 11.3 is borderline and may be accompanied by iron deficieny.
Is ferritin 11.3 bad?
Ferritin 11.3 is not bad, but needs further investigation
Is ferritin 11.3 dangerous?
Ferritin 11.3 is not dangerous, but needs further investigation
Is ferritin 11.3 low?
Ferritin 11.3 is borderline low, and may or may not be accompanied with iron deficiency symptoms.
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 11.3?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 11.3. 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.
Cashew nuts, oil roasted
Consider getting upto 1 ounce (18 nuts) per day.
Egg, hard-boiled
Consider getting upto 1 large per day.
Rice, brown, long or medium grain, cooked
Consider getting upto 1 cup per day.
Spinach, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Broccoli, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 11.3
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 11.3
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.3
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) | Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.3
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| White beans, canned, 1 cup | Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup | Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.3
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.3
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) | Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.3
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) | Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) | Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.3
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 11.3 ?
A ferritin of 11.3 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Restless legs syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica)
Desire to eat ice, clay, or other non-food items
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing
Frequent infections
Increased susceptibility to infections
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances
Desire to eat items with no nutritional value
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
Pica
Eating non-food items like ice, dirt, or clay
