What Causes Low Ferritin?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I hope you enjoy my video on the causes of low ferritin! Don't forget to grab your free Ferritin Boosting Checklist at this link: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@EmmalineMacartney]

Appreciate the information and supplement recommendations (my naturopath suggested the exact same products!). I did find it a bit annoying to have to sign up to two different platforms, only to be asked to also download an app to access the checklist AND then after that I did receive the checklist in another email. I am finding that there are too many signing up to things these days.

[@cynthiawright6638]

I have every single symptom. I thought I had an autoimmune disease or thyroid issue. All other test came back negative but ferritin came back 11-low. Can’t wait to start feeling better again

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Yay! So glad you have an action plan!

[@stevent5571]

My hemoglobin levels were 7.5 so had a ferritin test done and my iron was 13. No internal bleeding, just had a scope upper and lower

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Check out the ferritin checklist for ideas: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@Karikk72]

Thank yu so much ! Last year they checked my ferritin & told me I was fine with a level of 60. I didn’t feel fine & didn’t know optimal level. They checked it again a couple months ago & was a 30. Primary still said I was fine but gynecologist said you are not fine. Needs to be 100 and started me on iron bisgylicinate. Thorne Ferrasorb. I’m angry because I could have started this last year and felt so much better. Saw rheumatologist yesterday and she saw the 30 and said I needed iron. So many doctors failed me last year but these two ladies are looking out for me. I have been on iron since 7/2/24 and the fatigue is very slowly improving. I know I have a long road ahead of me but determined to get there. She will recheck me at beginning of October. I have been a vegetarian for ten years and have decided to add in some high quality meat a couple times a week to help. Thank yu for this video !!!!

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're welcome! It's so important to keep our ferritin levels in the optimal range, but unfortunately many doctors aren't aware of this

[@Karikk72]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean yes and the fact the primary still said I was fine. I have moved on to a functional ARNP in hopes she will get more to the bottom of things for me instead of just brushing me off and telling me I am fine or I have anxiety. Ugh !

[@anamariafernandezpabon822]

You need vitamin c and low dose of Cooper to absorbe iron. Good LUCK!

[@09lilmiss]

Last year my ferritin level was 2, recently it was 4. But my doctor has not given me any feedback. I suffer from extreme fatigue and hair loss and realize this may be a cause.

[@09lilmiss]

I am confused as to why my iron level is in the normal range but such low ferritin level. Also high binding concentration and low saturation

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

That's definitely too low. Be sure to check out my ferritin boosting checklist for strategies to support healthy levels of ferritin - here's the link to grab the download: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@monsterjamizzythegenius8189]

Maybe you have a gi problem

[@landy5653]

Please get a new doctor

[@mel_b2346]

​@@monsterjamizzythegenius8189i have the same things. This can be linked to a gi problem?

[@alexlangel9419]

I was a vegetarian until last year. Mine Ferritin was 31 and TSH was 9, but after eating red meat on a regular basis, now Ferritin is 90 and TSH 5.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Wow! That's great improvement!

[@annmarie3573]

be careful of daily supplementing of zinc (unopposed with copper) and turmeric, as both deplete ferritin stores over time. I think this is what happened to me.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Good point about Zinc/Copper ratio BUT most folks get plenty of copper in their diets - it's found in many foods that we consume regularly. I see zinc insufficiency a lot, by comparison.

[@anneholiday1744]

Thank you! I've been starting research on this. Hemoglobin is low this year, and last year my ferritin was 14...

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found my video helpful!

[@lj9524]

Thank you for educating people on this critical health measurement.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful

[@Jenny.C1978]

I've ferritin level of 12nm/l and vitamin D of 30nmol/l mean harmoglobin is the low side of the normal range. I have a high cell distribution width but I think that's because I'm on methotrexate and biologics. I asked my gp if I should take iron supplements and he said "you can if you want" and then told me my ferritin is "not that low". He's prescribed vitamin D. I'm now aiming to eat more red meat and even bought some lambs liver to try. I've no clue about iron supplements so your video has been extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're so welcome - glad you found it helpful!

[@LindaPerry_337]

Ehlers Danlos Type 4, the gift that keeps on giving, has lead me to have AVMs in my jejunum. The little blood vessel clumps (diagnosed by capsule endoscopy) which regularly break off and cause melena (it's not just an Italian girls name!); hence my no iron, no haemaglobin, which I had two years ago. My last ferritin level must have been OK because I didn't get a call. And I didn't bother to ring about it either 😆 Anyway, your videos are very well delivered and most helpful to me! So thank you. And now I shall have my oat porridge, blue berries and Greek style potset yoghurt and a cup of green tea.❤️🙋‍♀️

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

So glad you find them helpful, Linda! Thanks so much for watching!

[@clare5571]

My daughters has just come back at 18

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

That's below my optimal range

[@clare5571]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean definitely is! Her thyroid is 5.3 but as you said could be ferritin causing that thyroid result. Got to wait 2 weeks to discuss with Dr. We are in the UK.

[@nikkifiggy]

Good to know, mine is currently at 5 and it has been up and down for years. My highest recorded was 31 and it shot back down to 9 two months later :( That was back in 2019. I kinda gave up with it after covid happened so I’m trying to treat it again.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

That's pretty low!

[@andreafitt]

🤩 THANK YOU FOR THE AMAZING EXPLANATION OF THE FERRITIN ❤

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're so welcome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@trueblue7254]

Wow! Thank you so much. You are awesome!

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Thanks! I'm glad you found the video helpful!

[@aileenvezeau8606]

Thank you for the informative video! When trying to increase ferritin, with what frequency do you suggest testing ferritin levels?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I typically re-test every 4-6 months.

[@MarS-el7kq]

Thank you! You are the only one explained it perfectly. Even my PCV didn’t.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@janetw9430]

I have those symptoms and my ferritin is at 180!

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Lots of overlap in symptoms for sure - that's why we test!

[@ChantalsCitizenshipMarriage]

Mine has been below 10 for years and docs ignored me when I said that’s not good. Now it’s at a 3 and I can barely function. My exhaustion is almost crippling. Next week I have iron infusions starting.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I'm so sorry to hear this - I hope you feel better soon!

[@vsuperstar69]

Awesome, very detailed information 👏👏👏

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamierae3284]

Thank you Dr! I have had low ferritin for so long (as low as 7 at one point). Doctors have essentially ignored it. Do you recommend iron transfusions? Also, what do you think of beef liver capsules for helping? Thank you for this video!

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I'm sorry you've been ignored! While I can't speak to your specific situation, iron infusions can (at least temporarily) improve ferritin levels. You can see my suggested supplements at the link in this video description 👍🏼

[@freespiritfitnessculture8605]

Can I take the ferratin supplements whilst breastfeeding?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

It's generally safe to take iron supplements while breastfeeding, but you could certainly check with your primary doctor to be sure

[@CaraMiller-ie7nk]

As always, wonderfully helpful!

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@bramblyhedgegirl]

Great video, I really appreciate all your videos, thank you.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're welcome! I'm glad you are finding my videos helpful!

[@Sincerely_SweetAesthete]

Kate i love your knowledge! Can you do a video about exercise and other things like diet and sickness and their impact on periods? Sorry this is personal, but I have endometriosis and was under a lot of stress over the summer up to recently, and I had covid in august, and so my periods were more frequent during this time, but not as heavy at all. I even worried if enough came out, like it would be vengeful next time, lol, but I was not active due to being sick. Well the first time I did any kind of moderate exercise on my rebounder, after i had covid. It was 10 mins at that, the next day I had started my period very early-15 days which never happens, and it was super heavy. My own theory is the exercise could have just gotten everything moving in my body and it was ready to expel like in a cleansing way. I take tons of supplements as well. I also was not eating any produce over the summer, still healthy as much as possible, but i was unemployed so grocery bills were very limited. Sorry to share so much but thought it could help with a video idea.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Hormones are certainly impacted by stress - even "good stress" like exercise. I'll add it to my list!

[@arwenhardy1995]

Carnivore or carnivorish!!!!!

[@hocineouadi8125]

Thank you dr kate♡

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're welcome!

[@daviddavid1057]

Hi, a question: how can that be that my hemoglobin is high - 16.5, and my ferritin is low - 35! I often feel exhausted and sleepy, especially after a meal! What can I do about it? (I am on trt) Thanks!👍🏻

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Ferritin is stored iron, which is different than the iron in your blood cells (hemoglobin). Fatigue after eating is often connected to digestion or absorption issues - I'd dig deeper into gut health if I were you.

[@daviddavid1057]

@DrKateLyzengaDean Thanks a lot!

[@divyavasan1681]

Hello doctor , just came across this , I did see your supplement but am from India so can you refer to any supplement that we get here in india

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I'm not sure what supplements are available in India - but some folks have good luck with re-shipping services like reship.com to get products from Fullscript overseas. Worth looking into!

[@carole3708]

Thank you!

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You're welcome!

[@theinfiniteperspective896]

Good info, Is the iron binding test a good indicator of ferritin levels?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Not as good as the ferritin test!

[@suyashjain09]

Taking iron bisglycinate gave me constipation, despite taking probiotics, any solutions please?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I typically suggest decreasing the dose and taking it every-other day. Increasing your fiber intake is another good option!

[@suyashjain09]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean thank you for your reply! Are there any forms of iron that suit the body better? Iron bisglycinate is the same as hydrolzed chelated iron right?

[@priyankar.5620]

My Serum Ferritin level is 5.26 ng/ML, Is it too alarming? I m on bed rest since a month, after illness, and too much weak , can lack of bcomplex cause low ferratin? i have hair fall too. My pulse rate is high, my heart throbbs and at times throbbing is in head also i can sense it. My thyroid tests are normal. After many tests, we found low ferratin. I suffer shortness of breath also at times. But HB level shows 11%

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Sorry to hear you're struggling! Here is the sign-up for my suggestions for raising low ferritin: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@lucybrowne62]

My ferritin is 12, and I have low MCV and MCHV however normal iron levels. I might still take an iron supplement though

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Here's the sign up for the ferritin-boosting checklist: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@therealbbe]

Wonderful video ty, I thought I was anaemic but turns out im not its just my store levels (ferritin) are down to 11, got a non urgent call with GP in 2 weeks, will they prescribe Vit C to help absorption? Also I am on long term Lansoprazole (for hiatus hernia).

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

So glad you found it helpful! Be sure to check out my ferritin checklist for options to discuss with your GP - www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@forrestgump78]

I use aspirin and i have low ferritin levels 11 ug/L . What you suggest should i stop using aspirin. My cardiologist gave me aspirin.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I would never recommend discontinuing a prescribed medication - talk to your cardiologist first.

[@pinakinpatel6613]

Mem how to increase ferritin My wife suffering from low ferritin Ferritin bellow 12

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Lots of ideas in the free ferritin-boosting checklist! You can download a copy here: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@tyleahmcguire]

Are the optimal ranges shared for individuals who aren't experiencing inflammation? (as ferritin is an acute phase reactant and can be elevated when concurrent inflammation is present) Do you have any references you could share regarding how optimal ferritin ranges were established? I get iron infusions when my ferritin gets below 100, but I'm fatigued well before I get that low. It'd be nice to have something to show my doctor to get their buy in on raising their current cutoff.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Yep - you'd want to take inflammation into account when assessing treatment steps and the necessity of iron supplementation. I don't have a reference, but this study (and it's bibliography) could be a good place to look: cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/CT112002062.pdf

[@dendenc2046]

Hey Kate, but what about hyperthyroid? Does low ferritin cause hyperthyroid? Or does hyperthyroid cause low ferritin? Thank you

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Low ferritin does not cause hyperthyroid and is not caused by hyperthyroid.. Most of the time hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune condition.

[@dendenc2046]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean Thank you for the reply. Keep it up !

[@JP-sr3vw]

I have heavy menstrual cycles and need to take tranaxamic acid for it. Is there anything more natural that can help with heavy bleeding?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Absolutely - heavy menstrual cycles are an indicator of underlying hormonal issues (even though we've normalized them). Best practice would be a DUTCH Complete test to assess hormones and metabolites. If that's not in the budget you could try Chasteberry - my favorite product is at this link: us.fullscript.com/plans/drkateld-progesterone-support

[@KathleenH2812]

My holistic Dr told me to take 25,000 iu of vit a per day, it’s helping me

[@shreyashimitra8924]

My ferritin is low....I need to know something...is serum ferritin and serum iron different in blood tests?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Yep, they're different - ferritin is the stored form of iron, representing your iron reserves.

[@nataliem2199]

I take beef liver capsules with orange juice or warm lemon water. Is that an adequate amount of vitamin C for absorption?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I typically recommend 500-1000mg of Vitamin C to support iron absorption

[@anastasiyahavryltso4061]

My friend doctor was the only one to tell me low normal isn’t normal. My GP told me everything is fine :/

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

It's definitely frustrating to be dismissed by your doctor 🧡

[@yvonnesariya11]

Dr. Kate what is the recommended optimal range in Children?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

It depends on the age of the child 👍🏼

[@yvonnesariya11]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean for a five year old.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Same as for an adult

[@sreedevi9088]

My Ferritin level is very low..it’s 4 ng/ML..please let me know how to increase it in diet..is it alarming?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Here's a video with info for raising ferritin with food: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKatiad4n7-VZ6s

[@ketajailwala]

How long do I need to take the hemagenics and vit C along with gut supplies? My ferritin is at 19.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Hi there! It totally depends on the individual, but I generally recommend taking them for at least 3 months, and then re-testing your ferritin levels to check your progress.

[@nidhisindhwani9871]

Mine is 6 is dangerous or life threatening??? No hair lose only palpitation.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

That's a good question for your doctor - I would be working to get my levels up if I were you!

[@nidhisindhwani9871]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean always 6-8 my ferritin level is .. plz guide is it okay ?? If low is it dangerous for health ?

[@AngellPaola]

Gyno Tardyferon it’s okay ?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I don't know what this is 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@allisondougherty7937]

I'm in trouble. I have to take ibuprofen every day for headaches. I know that it's causing my low ferritin but I'm stuck in the vicious cycle. What can I do,,,

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

If I were you, I'd try to get to the root of those daily headaches.

[@allisondougherty7937]

​@DrKateLyzengaDean I have tried. I have told my GP what is happening. I've had blood tests, brain scans and gone to physiotherapy. All that's left is me trying to educate myself. My gp just shrugs her shoulders now and keeps offering me antidepressants. The only thing left is I'm now wondering if the mirena is causing this? The headaches are quite cyclic. I've also now got shingles on top of everything. My body feels like it's in a stressed out state. It has been going on for 4 years now. GP's and specialist all said you need to give the hrt time to level out. I've had 4 years of trialling different doses. I'm losing my mind over it which of course is contributing to my anxiety 😢I've even paid for my own blood tests! I've spent hundreds. My c reactive protein was high as was ck. Was told that it was just inflammation and not to worry. The other thing that was low was transferrin and high cholesterol. I had a iron infusion in April so ferritin is now 200 . I'm sorry for troubling you but I don't know what to do 😢

[@foxontherun4844]

But if you've gone through menopause then you don't take a iron supplement correct?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Depends on your levels! If you have low ferritin, you can take an iron supplement until they're optimized.

[@foxontherun4844]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean Thanks for your reply 🇨🇦

[@k41418]

Any ideas on why my body cant seem to breakdown iron i consume? I eat alot of beef and have tried liquid iron supplements that include vit c for absorption. I get constipation from beef and iron supps. Its like my body cant break it down to absorb. I have celiac disease but have been gf for years. I get infusions but within 6 months to a year im depleted again which is blamed on my period.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I would dig deeper into the health of your gut microbiome if I were you - here's some testing that may be useful : www.drkateld.com/gi-map-test-info

[@alidi4144]

The VA hospital keeps telling me my feratin doesn't matter only my binding and if I take iron it was be bad for me me even though a outside doctor said that is very untrue

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Obviously, I think ferritin does matter! Sorry you're feeling dismissed.

[@Victoria-vj3wv]

Are iron infusions even worth it since it is only a temporary boost? Ive read there are a lot of AE/SAEs.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Iron infusions can be life-saving if necessary. AND it's good to work on the root causes of low iron as a long-term solution

[@sheryl9897]

My ferritin level is only 2.. Im observed im suffering from hairloss.. Just want to ask how much i need to take daily..is it enough 20mg.. Thank you..

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

You can see my suggested dose in the ferritin-boosting checklist - here's where you can sign up: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@ForCurvyGirls]

I don’t think it is but again everyone is different. I take 15mg iron daily and I still had low rbc and haemoglobin when I took my test

[@NaWesolanute]

Blood vitality suplement plus iron pluć vit C . I feel better

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Glad you're feeling better!

[@jillianalden8040]

I suffer with permanent low ferritin, due to my Hemochromitosis. Never goes above 14.😢😢

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

While you may not be able to supplement with iron, you could tend to your gut absorption of other micronutrients that make iron work optimally!

[@Life_Science_Lesson]

Hello please suggest me I have low mcv, mchc and mch RBC 4.84 and Hemoglobin always comes under 8 to 10... always fatigue hair loss and tiredness always felt sleepiness..plz suggeste me what I should..

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Here are my suggestions for boosting low ferritin: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@sarahalvarez8058]

I wish I would have found your video 12 yrs ago😭😩

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Hopefully you still found it helpful 🧡

[@laurenhaass8042]

My GI Map came back negative for h pylori but high levels of streptococcus. Have you seen high levels of strep sequester iron transport in your clinical practice?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Any dysbiosis/microbial imbalance can impair absorption of iron and other micronutrients.

[@normaledezma937]

I don't see the information for functional lab and iron. Can you tell me where to find this information. Thank you

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

It's in my ferritin boosting checklist - you can download it here: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup

[@sylvia4alvarez]

Dr. Where are you at?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

I am based in Michigan but I work with clients from around the world thanks to the internet 👍🏼

[@vialumague6401]

Can low ferritin cause increase RBC?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Typically, having low ferritin/iron levels decreases RBC count, not the other way around.

[@sumanbhatt7773]

I am a vegetarian female. M6 ferritin level is just 3. Please guide me.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Hi there! You can start by signing up for your FREE Ferritin Boosting Checklist: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup Another option is to check out my preferred ferritin boosting supplements: us.fullscript.com/plans/drkateld-ferritin-boosting-supplements If you have further questions, you can shoot me a personal message through my website: www.drkateld.com/contact

[@thisisme64T]

What could cause high ferritin?

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

If you're taking in a lot of iron, it could cause high ferritin. Acute inflammation can also increase ferritin levels. If levels are severely elevated, it could be a sign of an iron storage disease (rare).

[@thisisme64T]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean I have lyme disease so I assume that is what caused it. Thanks!

[@enjoyyourlife321]

Mine is 30.5 ng dl . I don't know optimal ranges. Some say 30 is fine , some say 40 , some say 50. Could you please tell me the optimal range for me ? I am 22 (F) . My iron is 49ug dl .

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

If you watch this video, you'll find the answer to your question (my optimal ranges for ferritin in women) 😉

[@enjoyyourlife321]

@@DrKateLyzengaDean Thank you , what about serum iron optimal levels ?

[@munecahermosaddios1286]

My doctor said I was low in Iron she mention a : 10.3 is this very low Iron ? I’m confuse

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Depends on if you're measuring iron or ferritin - in this video I'm referencing ferritin, which is a different marker.

[@josiemadrigal7419]

My question does not pertain to this video sorry. I need to know if DIM can help prevent Central Precocious Puberty. Some people say it’s fine for a girl to go into puberty early but I say absolutely not and CPP is linked to low IQ. Needing help for my daughters. Any advice is so appreciated 😃

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Hi! I have recommended low doses of DIM in cases of precocious puberty, especially with a family history of estrogen metabolism dysfunction.

[@Ryan-ye8ns]

its the hormones in meat. go vegan. look at the content of hormones in products such as cheese and butter, it's alarming!

[@topgun80]

fullscript supplement list above is set to private view unable to open it

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Sounds like you're signed into a different dispensary - perhaps you could create a new login at this link and view it then: us.fullscript.com/plans/drkateld-ferritin-boosting-supplements

[@crystalm2819]

My ferritin level was 7.

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

That's pretty low!

[@chilloutbehappy4814]

Copper is linked to iron and can be mistaken for certain deficiency similar symptoms

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Yep - that's why we test first 👍🏼

[@mahipaljain3318]

This is the same thing u posted 10 months ago

[@DrKateLyzengaDean]

Hi there! In this video, I discuss the root causes of low ferritin in more detail than my previous video