Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting over 30% of the global population. Despite its widespread impact on everything from immunity to cognition and energy levels, it often goes undetected.
The World Health Organization states that ferritin levels below 15 g/L in adults are deemed low. If your ferritin levels are at or below this threshold, you could be suffering from dangerously low ferritin levels, also known as anaemia.
The experts at Forth, a company offering home blood tests, have analysed data from over 4,000 customers to shed light on how ferritin levels differ among women.
What exactly is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores around a quarter of the body’s total iron, releasing it when needed. Optimal ferritin levels ensure your body has the right amount of iron to maintain good health, reports Gloucestershire Live.
For women, ferritin serves as a crucial indicator of iron reserves, with low levels indicating iron deficiency anaemia. Up to 20% of menstruating women are iron deficient, and up to 5% suffer from iron deficiency anaemia, primarily due to menstrual blood loss.
Women of childbearing age are at a higher risk of iron deficiency compared to post-menopausal women, as they lose an average of 30-40 mL of iron-rich blood during each menstrual cycle.
The study revealed:
Women aged 18-29 are topping the charts as the most likely to suffer from iron deficiency, with their ferritin levels plunging to 27% below the norm. Hot on their heels are those in the 30-39 bracket, whose ferritin levels are languishing at 20% under the average.
In a regional breakdown, both genders in the North West are grappling with the lowest ferritin figures, a worrying 10% beneath the standard. Meanwhile, London’s ladies are facing levels that are 7% shy of the average.
Men, on the other hand, seem to be faring better in the ferritin stakes, with a robust 91% maintaining ‘healthy’ levels, eclipsing the 87% of women who can say the same. This disparity is often chalked up to men avoiding the iron-depleting effects of menstruation and tucking into more iron-rich foods due to generally higher consumption rates.
Wondering if you’re running low on ferritin?
Keep an eye out for tell-tale signs such as:
– A pale complexion
– Overwhelming fatigue
– Energy tanking to new lows
– Persistent headaches
– Struggling for breath
– Dry skin and hair
– Restless legs
– Your heart racing away
Dr Thom Phillips, the clinical lead at Forth, said: “A ferritin blood test can provide valuable insight into your iron stores. Low ferritin levels can present in many different ways, from fatigue and skin issues to hair thinning and an increased heart rate. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth discussing your iron levels with your GP.
“Younger women are at the highest risk of low ferritin levels due to a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to, menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, and hormonal factors such as estrogen impacting iron metabolism and absorption. For those who eat meat, red meat offers a rich source of iron. However, vegetarians and vegans can still maintain healthy iron levels by carefully managing their dietary choices. For example, pairing iron-rich plant foods with vitamin C can enhance absorption. Regardless of your dietary preferences, paying attention to your iron intake could significantly improve your overall well-being and address these often overlooked symptoms.”