Ferritin 11.6 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 11.6 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 11.6 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 protein essential for iron storage. It is mainly produced in the liver and spleen. Iron from foods like red meat, legumes, and whole grains impacts ferritin levels. Its function is to securely store iron, releasing it when the body needs iron for processes like oxygen transport and supporting overall metabolic activities.

How is Ferritin measured?

Ferritin measurement is done through a blood test. Preparation typically involves fasting to ensure accurate results. Labs use techniques like radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to analyze blood samples and determine the concentration of ferritin in the body.

What are the causes of ferritin of 11.6?

Ferritin of 11.6 have different causes, as listed below.

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.

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.

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.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes excessive iron absorption, leading to iron overload and subsequent 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.

Medications

Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids, can interfere with 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.

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.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Infection with H. pylori in the stomach may lead to gastritis and impaired iron absorption, contributing to low serum ferritin levels.

What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 11.6 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 11.6 mean?

A level of ferritin 11.6 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 11.6 means that you dont have sufficient iron stores.

Is ferritin 11.6 good?

Ferritin 11.6 is borderline and may be accompanied by iron deficieny.

Is ferritin 11.6 bad?

Ferritin 11.6 is not bad, but needs further investigation

Is ferritin 11.6 dangerous?

Ferritin 11.6 is not dangerous, but needs further investigation

Is ferritin 11.6 low?

Ferritin 11.6 is borderline low, and may or may not be accompanied with iron deficiency symptoms.

What foods will help increase a ferritin of 11.6?

The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 11.6. 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.

Potato, baked, flesh and skin

Consider getting upto 1 medium potato per day.

Cantaloupe, diced

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Rice, white, long grain, enriched, parboiled, drained

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Nuts, pistachio, dry roasted

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

Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids

Consider getting upto 1 ounce per day.

Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 11.6

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 11.6

Tuesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.6

Wednesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.6

Thursday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.6

Friday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.6

Saturday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.6

Sunday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 11.6

What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 11.6 ?

A ferritin of 11.6 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.

Irritability

Feeling easily annoyed or agitated

Difficulty swallowing

Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing

Weakness

Decreased strength and stamina

Brittle nails

Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking

Hair loss

Experiencing hair thinning or shedding

Difficulty concentrating

Finding it hard to focus or concentrate

Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances

Desire to eat items with no nutritional value

Cold hands and feet

Extremities feeling cold to touch

Pale skin

Skin may appear paler than usual

Soreness or inflammation of the tongue

Pain or swelling in the tongue