Ferritin 4.6 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 4.6 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 4.6 in pregnancy.
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 chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) or immunoturbidimetry to analyze blood samples and determine the concentration of ferritin accurately.
What are the causes of ferritin of 4.6?
Ferritin of 4.6 have different causes, as listed below.
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.
Chronic Infections
Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading to 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.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Infection with H. pylori in the stomach may lead to gastritis and impaired iron absorption, contributing to low serum ferritin levels.
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.
Intravenous Iron Therapy
While rare, excessive iron supplementation through intravenous therapy can lead to iron overload 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.
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.
Thyroid Disorders
Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect iron metabolism, resulting in low serum ferritin levels and contributing to iron deficiency.
Medications
Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids, can interfere with iron absorption, leading to low serum ferritin levels.
What is the normal range of Ferritin and how is a Ferritin of 4.6 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?
| 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 4.6 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 4.6 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 4.6 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 4.6 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 4.6 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 4.6 |
| <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 : 4.6 |
| <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 : 4.6 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 4.6 mean?
A level of ferritin 4.6 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 4.6 good?
Ferritin 4.6 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 4.6 bad?
Ferritin 4.6 is bad for health, as you will experience effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.6 dangerous?
Ferritin 4.6 is just above the minimum measurable range and poses risks from the effects of iron deficiency.
Is ferritin 4.6 low?
Ferritin 4.6 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 4.6?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 4.6. 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.
Lentils, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Spaghetti, whole wheat, cooked
Consider getting upto 1 cup per day.
Tuna, light, canned in water
Consider getting upto 3 ounces per day.
Chickpeas, boiled and drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Milk
Consider getting upto 1 cup per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 4.6
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 4.6
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.6
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Tofu (firm, ½ cup) |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.6
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Cashew nuts, oil roasted, 1 ounce (18 nuts) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.6
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.6
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.6
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 4.6
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 4.6 ?
A ferritin of 4.6 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
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances
Desire to eat items with no nutritional value
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches
Hair loss
Experiencing hair thinning or shedding
Frequent infections
Increased susceptibility to infections
Poor appetite
Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite
Cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica)
Desire to eat ice, clay, or other non-food items
Weakness
Decreased strength and stamina
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut