Ferritin 3.8 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 3.8 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 3.8 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 3.8?
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 3.8 graded?
What does a ferritin level of 3.8 mean?
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 3.8?
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 3.8
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 3.8 ?
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a crucial protein that stores iron in your body. It is produced primarily 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 safely, releasing it when your body requires iron for activities like oxygen transport and energy production.
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 3.8?
Ferritin of 3.8 have different causes, as listed below.
Liver Diseases
Conditions like chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can impact iron storage in the liver, leading 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.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes excessive iron absorption, leading to iron overload and subsequent 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.
Intravenous Iron Therapy
While rare, excessive iron supplementation through intravenous therapy can lead to iron overload and 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.
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.
Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can interfere with iron metabolism, resulting in 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.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 3.8 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?
| 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 3.8 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 3.8 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 3.8 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 3.8 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 3.8 is lower than normal. |
Reference : Ferritin normal ranges in children.
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range | Inference | Ferritin : 3.8 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 : 3.8 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 : 3.8 |
|---|---|---|
| <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 3.8 mean?
A level of ferritin 3.8 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 3.8 good?
Ferritin 3.8 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 3.8 bad?
Ferritin 3.8 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 3.8 dangerous?
Ferritin 3.8 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 3.8 low?
Ferritin 3.8 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 3.8?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 3.8. 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.
Cheese, cottage, 2% milk fat
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Lentils, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Bread, white
Consider getting upto 1 slice per day.
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 3.8
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 3.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Chocolate, dark, 45%–69% cacao solids, 1 ounce | Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| White beans, canned, 1 cup | Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) | Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.8
| 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 |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| White beans, canned, 1 cup | Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) | Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.8
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) | Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 3.8 ?
A ferritin of 3.8 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
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
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing
Restless legs syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or dizzy
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
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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