Ferritin 2.8 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

Published Date : 2024-03-31T19:24:21.681Z

Updated Date : 2024-03-31T19:24:21.681+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 levels are measured through a blood test. To prepare, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood. In labs, various techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) are commonly used for accurate ferritin measurement.

What are the causes of ferritin of 2.8?

Ferritin of 2.8 have different causes, as listed below.

Chronic Kidney Disease

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

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.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection

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

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.

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.

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.

Chronic Infections

Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading 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.

What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 2.8 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 2.8 mean?

A level of ferritin 2.8 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 2.8 good?

Ferritin 2.8 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.

Is ferritin 2.8 bad?

Ferritin 2.8 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.

Is ferritin 2.8 dangerous?

Ferritin 2.8 may be dangerous as it is below the measurable range of ferritin. Consult your doctor at soonest.

Is ferritin 2.8 low?

Ferritin 2.8 is dangerously low, and may be below the minimum measurable limit of detection by analyzers

What foods will help increase a ferritin of 2.8?

The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 2.8. 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.

Tuna, light, canned in water

Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.

Cashew nuts, oil roasted

Consider getting upto 1 ounce (18 nuts) per day.

Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin

Consider getting upto 3 ounces 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 2.8

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 2.8

Tuesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.8

Wednesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.8

Thursday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.8

Friday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.8

Saturday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.8

Sunday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.8

What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 2.8 ?

A ferritin of 2.8 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.

Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless

Cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica)

Desire to eat ice, clay, or other non-food items

Pica

Eating non-food items like ice, dirt, or clay

Soreness or inflammation of the tongue

Pain or swelling in the tongue

Difficulty swallowing

Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing

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

Frequent infections

Increased susceptibility to infections

Pale skin

Skin may appear paler than usual