Ferritin 3.5 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 3.5 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 3.5 in pregnancy.Published Date : 2024-04-01T19:24:21.681Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-01T19:24:21.681+00:00
Table of Contents
What is Ferritin?
How is Ferritin measured?
What are the causes of ferritin of 3.5?
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 3.5 graded?
What does a ferritin level of 3.5 mean?
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 3.5?
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 3.5
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 3.5 ?
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?
To measure ferritin, a blood sample is taken, with fasting recommended for preparation. In labs, techniques like radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are frequently utilized to accurately quantify ferritin levels and assess iron status.
What are the causes of ferritin of 3.5?
Ferritin of 3.5 have different causes, as listed below.
Chronic Infections
Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading to 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.
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.
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.
Thyroid Disorders
Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.
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.
Liver Diseases
Conditions like chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can impact iron storage in the liver, leading to low serum ferritin levels.
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.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 3.5 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?
| 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 3.5 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 3.5 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 3.5 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 3.5 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 3.5 is lower than normal. |
Reference : Ferritin normal ranges in children.
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range | Inference | Ferritin : 3.5 |
|---|---|---|
| <12 | Low Ferritin - Anemia | You are here |
| 12 to 45 | Normal Ferritin | |
| More than 45 | High Ferritin - Could lead to diabetes in pregnancy |
Reference : Ferritin and Anemia in PregnancyGestational Diabetes Mellitus and relation to Ferritin
What are the normal ranges in adult men?
| Range | Inference | Ferritin : 3.5 |
|---|---|---|
| <15 | Low Ferritin - Anemia | You are here |
| >15 - 35 | Below Normal but not anemia | |
| 35 - 220 | Normal | |
| >220 | Higher than normal |
Reference : Ferritin Reference Ranges in Adults
What are the normal ranges in adult women?
| Range | Inference | Ferritin : 3.5 |
|---|---|---|
| <15 | Low Ferritin - Anemia | You are here |
| 15 to 136 | Normal Ferritin | |
| More than 136 | High Ferritin |
Reference : Ferritin Reference Ranges in Adults
What does a ferritin level of 3.5 mean?
A level of ferritin 3.5 is considered to be very low, and you will probably be experiencing various symptoms related to iron deficiency. This means that the amount of iron in your body is greatly reduced and may have been so for a long time.
Is ferritin 3.5 good?
Ferritin 3.5 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 3.5 bad?
Ferritin 3.5 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 3.5 dangerous?
Ferritin 3.5 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 3.5 low?
Ferritin 3.5 is very low, and you will experience various symptoms of iron deficiency like tiredness, fatigue, difficulty climbing stairs, breathlessness, repeated infections.
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 3.5?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 3.5. 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.
Cantaloupe, diced
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Potato, baked, flesh and skin
Consider getting upto 1 medium potato per day.
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Chicken, roasted, meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces 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 3.5
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 3.5
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) | Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.5
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| White beans, canned, 1 cup | Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) | Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.5
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) | Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.5
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.5
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) | Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.5
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.5
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| White beans, canned, 1 cup | Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 3.5 ?
A ferritin of 3.5 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Restless legs syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Frequent infections
Increased susceptibility to infections
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or dizzy
Cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica)
Desire to eat ice, clay, or other non-food items
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Reviewed By - Dr.Bhargav Raut
Dr.Bhargav Raut is a qualified Pathologist, with over 5 years of experience in the field
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