What is ferritin?
The normal iron test in the blood differs from iron stores, or ferritin. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron within the body and releases it when needed. Ferritin is found in liver cells and the immune system, with a small amount in the blood. It contains 20% of iron. When ferritin levels are low, the body uses iron faster than it can produce it, leading to health problems.
Normal levels of ferritin in the blood
- Men: 20-500 ng/ml
- Women: 20-200 ng/ml
Ferritin levels may vary depending on the laboratory, so it is best to consult a doctor when interpreting the results.
Causes of low iron stores (ferritin)
- Iron deficiency in food
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- Gastrointestinal diseases that reduce iron absorption
- internal bleeding
- anemia
A person may have anemia along with low ferritin levels, or they may have anemia while maintaining normal ferritin levels.
Symptoms of ferritin deficiency
- constant fatigue for no apparent reason
- Dizziness and vertigo
- chronic headache
- general weakness in the body
- ringing in the ears
- leg pain
- shortness of breath
Ferritin test
If ferritin deficiency is suspected, a blood test is performed after a 12-hour fast to ensure accurate results.
Berkeley Health Home Test
For the first time in Saudi Arabia, it is now possible to test ferritin at home using the Berkeley Health test, which features:
- High accuracy and speed of results within 5 minutes
- Ease of use
- Available in pharmacies at a reasonable price
Ask your pharmacist now about the Berkeley Health test for checking iron storage levels!
How to use the Berkeley Health test
- Wash your hands well and let them dry.
- Prepare the materials and open the test tube and pipette.
- Massage your finger to improve blood flow, then use the acupuncture needle.
- Press the finger until a sufficient drop of blood is formed.
- Use a capillary pipette to collect blood up to the black line.
- Place the blood in the designated spot (S) on the test strip.
- Add 2 drops of dilution solution and wait 5 minutes to read the result.
Methods of treating iron deficiency (ferritin)
- Consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment.
- Take iron supplements when needed.
- Increase your consumption of iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, and legumes.
- Enhance iron absorption by consuming vitamin C with iron-rich foods.
