Ferritin 6.2 means : Is it normal, good, bad or dangerous
In this article we discuss what a Ferritin of 6.2 means, together with its causes, and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also look into the significance of Ferritin 6.2 in pregnancy.
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?
A blood test is conducted to measure ferritin levels, and fasting is typically recommended for preparation. Labs use techniques like enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA) to accurately quantify ferritin levels in the blood and assess iron status.
What are the causes of ferritin of 6.2?
Ferritin of 6.2 have different causes, as listed below.
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.
Chronic Infections
Persistent infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading 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.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Infection with H. pylori in the stomach may lead to gastritis and impaired iron absorption, contributing 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 6.2 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 6.2 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 6.2 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 6.2 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 6.2 is within normal limits |
| 5 to 14 years |
13.7 - 78.8 |
If your child is aged between 5 years - 14 years, a ferritin level of 6.2 is lower than normal. |
What are the normal ranges of ferritin in pregnancy?
| Range |
Inference |
Ferritin : 6.2 |
| <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 : 6.2 |
| <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 : 6.2 |
| <15 |
Low Ferritin - Anemia |
You are here |
| 15 to 136 |
Normal Ferritin |
|
| More than 136 |
High Ferritin |
|
What does a ferritin level of 6.2 mean?
A level of ferritin 6.2 is considered to be below normal, and it means that your body has insufficient stores of iron. Ferritin is the storage form of iron in the human body and its value typically reflects how much iron we have. A value of 6.2 means that you dont have sufficient iron stores.
Is ferritin 6.2 good?
Ferritin 6.2 is not good, and you have a high chance of being deficient in iron.
Is ferritin 6.2 bad?
Ferritin 6.2 is not healthy and may be accompanied by iron deficiency
Is ferritin 6.2 dangerous?
Ferritin 6.2 while not classifiable as dangerous, can pose risks to you depending on other factors.
Is ferritin 6.2 low?
Ferritin 6.2 is quite low and will likely be accompanied by symptoms of fatigue and tiredness.
What foods will help increase a ferritin of 6.2?
The following list of foods can help boost ferritin levels of 6.2. 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, cheddar
Consider getting upto 1.5 ounces per day.
Rice, white, long grain, enriched, parboiled, drained
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Green peas, boiled
Consider getting upto ½ cup per day.
Cashew nuts, oil roasted
Consider getting upto 1 ounce (18 nuts) per day.
Nuts, pistachio, dry roasted
Consider getting upto 1 ounce (49 nuts) per day.
Suggest a weekly diet plan for increasing ferritin levels of 6.2
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 6.2
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Lentils (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef liver (pan-fried, 3 ounces) |
Tuesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 6.2
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Beef, braised bottom round, trimmed to 1/8" fat, 3 ounces |
Wednesday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 6.2
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Tomato (canned, stewed, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Thursday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 6.2
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Chickpeas (boiled and drained, ½ cup) |
Turkey, roasted, breast meat and skin, 3 ounces |
Friday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 6.2
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| White beans, canned, 1 cup |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium potato |
Saturday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 6.2
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
Sunday
Diet Plan to improve ferritin of 6.2
| Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
| Breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV for iron |
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup |
Sardines, Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bone, 3 ounces |
What are some symptoms of a ferritin of 6.2 ?
A ferritin of 6.2 will usually show symptoms of iron deficiency. These will include various symptoms including those listed below.
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or dizzy
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances
Desire to eat items with no nutritional value
Pica
Eating non-food items like ice, dirt, or clay
Fatigue
Feeling tired and lacking energy
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing
Heart palpitations
Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat
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
Irritability
Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
Pale skin
Skin may appear paler than usual
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut