Ferritin 4.4 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous

Published Date : 2024-04-02T19:24:21.681Z

Updated Date : 2024-04-02T19:24:21.681+00:00

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein responsible for iron storage. It is produced in organs like the liver and spleen. Dietary sources of iron, such as poultry, beans, and fortified cereals, impact ferritin levels. Its function is to store iron securely, releasing it when the body needs iron for processes like supporting immune function and energy production.

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 4.4?

Ferritin of 4.4 have different causes, as listed below.

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.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Impaired production of erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia and 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.

Medications

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

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.

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.

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.

Inflammatory Conditions

Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can interfere with iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels.

What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 4.4 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?

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 4.4 mean?

A level of ferritin 4.4 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 4.4 good?

Ferritin 4.4 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.

Is ferritin 4.4 bad?

Ferritin 4.4 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.

Is ferritin 4.4 dangerous?

Ferritin 4.4 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.

Is ferritin 4.4 low?

Ferritin 4.4 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 4.4?

The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 4.4. 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.

Chicken, roasted, meat and skin

Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.

Spinach, boiled and drained

Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.

Nuts, pistachio, dry roasted

Consider getting upto 1 ounce (49 nuts) per day.

Tuna, light, canned in water

Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.

Cashew nuts, oil roasted

Consider getting upto 1 ounce (18 nuts) per day.

Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 4.4

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 4.4

Tuesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4

Wednesday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4

Thursday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4

Friday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4

Saturday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4

Sunday

Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.4

What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 4.4 ?

A ferritin of 4.4 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.

Pale skin

Skin may appear paler than usual

Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless

Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances

Desire to eat items with no nutritional value

Soreness or inflammation of the tongue

Pain or swelling in the tongue

Poor appetite

Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite

Irritability

Feeling easily annoyed or agitated

Brittle nails

Nails that are fragile and prone to breaking

Cold hands and feet

Extremities feeling cold to touch

Difficulty concentrating

Finding it hard to focus or concentrate

Heart palpitations

Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat