Ferritin 3.9 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 3.9 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 3.9 in pregnancy.
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?
To measure ferritin, a blood sample is collected, with fasting recommended for preparation. In labs, techniques like radioimmunoassay (RIA) or electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) are commonly used to accurately quantify ferritin levels in the blood.
What are the causes of ferritin of 3.9?
Ferritin of 3.9 have different causes, as listed below.
Thyroid Disorders
Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.
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.
Intravenous Iron Therapy
While rare, excessive iron supplementation through intravenous therapy can lead to iron overload and low serum ferritin levels.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Infection with H. pylori in the stomach may lead to gastritis and impaired iron absorption, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3.9 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 3.9 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 3.9 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 3.9 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 3.9 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 3.9 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 3.9 |
| <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 : 3.9 |
| <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 : 3.9 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 3.9 mean?
A level of ferritin 3.9 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 3.9 good?
Ferritin 3.9 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 3.9 bad?
Ferritin 3.9 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 3.9 dangerous?
Ferritin 3.9 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 3.9 low?
Ferritin 3.9 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 3.9?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 3.9. 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.
Chicken, roasted, meat and skin
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Mushrooms, white, sliced and stir-fried
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Green peas, boiled
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Cantaloupe, diced
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Bread, white
Consider getting upto 1 slice per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 3.9
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 3.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.9
| 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 |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Oysters, eastern, cooked with moist heat, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Spinach (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 3.9
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 3.9 ?
A ferritin of 3.9 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless
Brittle nails
Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
Fatigue
Feeling tired and lacking energy
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or dizzy
Cold hands and feet
Extremities feeling cold to touch
Soreness or inflammation of the tongue
Pain or swelling in the tongue
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut