Ferritin 11.5 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 11.5 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 11.5 in pregnancy.

Published Date : 2024-04-09T19:24:21.681Z

Updated Date : 2024-04-09T19:24:21.681+00:00

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a vital protein that stores iron in your body. It is produced 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 securely, releasing it as needed for crucial bodily functions like maintaining healthy blood and supporting cell growth.

How is Ferritin measured?

Ferritin measurement involves a blood test, and preparation may include fasting. Labs commonly use techniques like enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or chemiluminescence to accurately determine ferritin levels in the blood and assess iron stores in the body.

What are the causes of ferritin of 11.5?

Ferritin of 11.5 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.

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.

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.

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.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Impaired production of erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia and 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.

Thyroid Disorders

Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.

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.

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.

What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 11.5 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?

Reference : Ferritin normal ranges in children.

What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?

Reference : Ferritin and Anemia in PregnancyGestational Diabetes Mellitus and relation to Ferritin

What are the normal ranges in adult men?

Reference : Ferritin Reference Ranges in Adults

What are the normal ranges in adult women?

Reference : Ferritin Reference Ranges in Adults

What does a ferritin level of 11.5 mean?

A level of ferritin 11.5 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 11.5 means that you dont have sufficient iron stores.

Is ferritin 11.5 good?

Ferritin 11.5 is borderline and may be accompanied by iron deficieny.

Is ferritin 11.5 bad?

Ferritin 11.5 is not bad, but needs further investigation

Is ferritin 11.5 dangerous?

Ferritin 11.5 is not dangerous, but needs further investigation

Is ferritin 11.5 low?

Ferritin 11.5 is borderline low, and may or may not be accompanied with iron deficiency symptoms.

What foods will help increase a ferritin of 11.5?

The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 11.5. 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.

Tomatoes, canned, stewed

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Chickpeas, boiled and drained

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Nuts, pistachio, dry roasted

Consider getting upto 1 ounce (49 nuts) per day.

Raisins, seedless

Consider getting upto ¼ cup per day.

Bread, white

Consider getting upto 1 slice per day.

Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 11.5

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 11.5

Tuesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.5

Wednesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.5

Thursday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.5

Friday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.5

Saturday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.5

Sunday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.5

What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 11.5 ?

A ferritin of 11.5 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.

Frequent infections

Increased susceptibility to infections

Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless

Heart palpitations

Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat

Poor appetite

Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite

Soreness or inflammation of the tongue

Pain or swelling in the tongue

Weakness

Decreased strength and stamina

Irritability

Feeling easily annoyed or agitated

Cold hands and feet

Extremities feeling cold to touch

Hair loss

Experiencing hair thinning or shedding

Pale skin

Skin may appear paler than usual