Ferritin 3.4 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 3.4 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 3.4 in pregnancy.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a key protein for iron storage. It is produced in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Iron from foods like seafood, beans, and whole grains contributes to ferritin levels. Its function is to safely store iron, releasing it when the body requires iron for activities like maintaining healthy blood and supporting metabolism.
How is Ferritin measured?
Ferritin measurement involves a blood test, and preparation may include fasting. Labs commonly use techniques like chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) or immunoturbidimetry to analyze blood samples and determine the concentration of ferritin accurately.
What are the causes of ferritin of 3.4?
Ferritin of 3.4 have different causes, as listed below.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Infection with H. pylori in the stomach may lead to gastritis and impaired iron absorption, contributing 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.
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.
Thyroid Disorders
Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.
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.
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.
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.
Chronic Infections
Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading to 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.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 3.4 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 3.4 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 3.4 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 3.4 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 3.4 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 3.4 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 3.4 |
| <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 : 3.4 |
| <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 : 3.4 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 3.4 mean?
A level of ferritin 3.4 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 3.4 good?
Ferritin 3.4 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 3.4 bad?
Ferritin 3.4 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 3.4 dangerous?
Ferritin 3.4 may be dangerous as it is below the measurable range of ferritin. Consult your doctor at soonest.
Is ferritin 3.4 low?
Ferritin 3.4 is dangerously low, and may be below the minimum measurable limit of detection by analyzers
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 3.4?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 3.4. 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.
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Nuts, pistachio, dry roasted
Consider getting upto 1 ounce (49 nuts) per day.
Potato, baked, flesh and skin
Consider getting upto 1 medium potato per day.
Chickpeas, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Lentils, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 3.4
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 3.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) |
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.4
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 3.4 ?
A ferritin of 3.4 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
Poor appetite
Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
Heart palpitations
Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Frequent infections
Increased susceptibility to infections
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica)
Desire to eat ice, clay, or other non-food items
Brittle nails
Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut