Ferritin 3.6 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

Published Date : 2024-04-01T19:24:21.681Z

Updated Date : 2024-04-01T19:24:21.681+00:00

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a key player in iron storage within your body. It is produced primarily in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Dietary sources of iron, including beef, lentils, and leafy greens, contribute to ferritin levels. Its function is to store iron securely, releasing it when needed for vital processes such as supporting red blood cell production and energy metabolism.

How is Ferritin measured?

Ferritin is measured through a blood test, typically after fasting. Labs employ techniques like turbidimetry or immunoturbidimetry to analyze blood samples and accurately determine the concentration of ferritin in the body.

What are the causes of ferritin of 3.6?

Ferritin of 3.6 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Medications

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

Hereditary Hemochromatosis

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

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.

What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 3.6 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 3.6 mean?

A level of ferritin 3.6 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 3.6 good?

Ferritin 3.6 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.

Is ferritin 3.6 bad?

Ferritin 3.6 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.

Is ferritin 3.6 dangerous?

Ferritin 3.6 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.

Is ferritin 3.6 low?

Ferritin 3.6 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 3.6?

The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 3.6. 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.

Cheese, cottage, 2% milk fat

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Egg, hard-boiled

Consider getting upto 1 large per day.

Bread, white

Consider getting upto 1 slice per day.

Cantaloupe, diced

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Mushrooms, white, sliced and stir-fried

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 3.6

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 3.6

Tuesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.6

Wednesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.6

Thursday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.6

Friday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.6

Saturday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.6

Sunday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.6

What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 3.6 ?

A ferritin of 3.6 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.

Poor appetite

Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite

Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances

Desire to eat items with no nutritional value

Irritability

Feeling easily annoyed or agitated

Pica

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

Restless legs syndrome

Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night

Pale skin

Skin may appear paler than usual

Difficulty concentrating

Finding it hard to focus or concentrate

Cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica)

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

Heart palpitations

Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat

Difficulty swallowing

Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing