Ferritin

[Amesbury]

Hi my recent blood test result for Ferritin was 28ug/L which is right at the bottom of the normal range. As I was diagnosed with PA about 6 years ago my ferritin was as at this level. It gradually increased to 164ug/L but has gradually come down again. Is it okay with PA to have ferritin at the very bottom of the normal range. My GP just barked the result ‘normal.’ Thanks for your help with this.

[Nackapan]

At that level I had symptoms. Shaking.Breathless.

On top of everything else.

Ferritin csn give symptoms if drops under 50.

Saying that we all operate at different levels.

I take a Los dose iron supplement as a maintenence.

It seems for me to be okay 48 - 62.ug/L

It took a long time to stabilise.

Only dropped when b12 injections started.

It wax 61 before.

Thd iron has cto be looked at all together by a doctor.

I would get back to them snd discuss it if you think symptoms are dien to it.

If iron prescribed s follow up blood test is done.

my daughters dropped to 9ug/L .

Low ferritin csn mimic symptoms of thyroid problems i was told. Which she certainly had

Getting it to slowly rise takes time with iron rich foods with vitamin c and if needed supplements.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

ferritin is only one measure of iron status - its an easy one and is generally accurate but doesn't tell the whole story. Using it as a single measure has resulted in cases of iron poisoning so if it is low you should ask for a full iron panel as Nackapan suggests.

As a general approach - and not going to claim that GPs understand this - a general blood panel is a way of looking for something that looks odd so it can be followed up with further investigations - it is an aid to diagnosis.