Ferritin 2.9 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 2.9 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 2.9 in pregnancy.
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?
To measure ferritin, a blood sample is collected. Preparing for the test may involve fasting. Labs utilize techniques such as chemiluminescence or immunofluorescence for accurate measurement of ferritin levels in the blood.
What are the causes of ferritin of 2.9?
Ferritin of 2.9 have different causes, as listed below.
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.
Liver Diseases
Conditions like chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can impact iron storage in the liver, 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.
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.
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 Kidney Disease
Impaired production of erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia and 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.
Intravenous Iron Therapy
While rare, excessive iron supplementation through intravenous therapy can lead to iron overload and 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.
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.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 2.9 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 2.9 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 2.9 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 2.9 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 2.9 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 2.9 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 2.9 |
| <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 : 2.9 |
| <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 : 2.9 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 2.9 mean?
A level of ferritin 2.9 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 2.9 good?
Ferritin 2.9 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 2.9 bad?
Ferritin 2.9 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 2.9 dangerous?
Ferritin 2.9 may be dangerous as it is below the measurable range of ferritin. Consult your doctor at soonest.
Is ferritin 2.9 low?
Ferritin 2.9 is dangerously low, and may be below the minimum measurable limit of detection by analyzers
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 2.9?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 2.9. 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.
Broccoli, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Rice, white, long grain, enriched, parboiled, drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Kidney beans, canned
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 2.9
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 2.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 2.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 2.9 ?
A ferritin of 2.9 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Brittle nails
Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless
Soreness or inflammation of the tongue
Pain or swelling in the tongue
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Poor appetite
Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or dizzy
Cold hands and feet
Extremities feeling cold to touch
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut