Numerous factors can cause a ferritin or iron deficiency. Ferritin, a protein found in red blood cells, stores iron. The amount of ferritin in the blood is directly related to the amount of iron in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, ferritin deficiency is often associated with anemia -- a decrease in the amount of red blood cells or lower than normal amounts of hemoglobin in the blood. Without sufficient ferritin, a person may experiences signs and symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia, including fatigue, headache and shortness of breath.
Blood Loss
Blood loss, from a cut or wound -- or from internal bleeding -- can cause a ferritin or iron deficiency. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, loss of blood can cause a reduction in ferritin or iron levels and lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Common sources of blood loss include gastrointestinal bleeding, menstrual bleeding or traumatic injury. Women with heavy periods, according to the Mayo Clinic, are particularly susceptible to ferritin or iron deficiency, because a significant amount of blood, and therefore iron, is lost during menstruation. Other possible causes of ferritin or iron deficiency due to blood loss include slow, chronic blood loss from a peptic ulcer, kidney or bladder tumor, colon polyp, colorectal cancer or uterine fibroids. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract may also be caused by long-term aspirin use or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Blood in the stool is a common sign of internal bleeding.
Decreased Iron Consumption
A diet low in iron can lead to ferritin or iron deficiency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, states that the amount of iron absorbed in the diet depends on numerous factors, including the type of iron-containing food consumed, a person's dietary preferences or restrictions and certain medications used for chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Iron is obtained from many types of foods in a person's diet, although only 1 mg of iron is absorbed for every 10 to 20 mg of iron consumed. Over time, if too little iron is consumed, a person's body can become deficient in ferritin. Commonly eaten, iron-rich foods include meat, eggs, dairy products and foods fortified with iron. To ensure proper growth and development, it is important that children and infants get the suggested amount of iron from their diet. According to the CDC, certain individuals require more iron than usual, including teenagers, pregnant women and those who have experienced significant blood loss.
Iron Malabsorption Syndromes
Certain malabsorption syndromes can cause a ferritin or iron deficiency. According to the MedlinePlus website, lower than normal levels of ferritin or iron may be caused by intestinal conditions that cause poor absorption of iron. Iron from food is absorbed into a person's bloodstream in the small intestine. Any intestinal disorder that impairs the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients from digested food -- such as Crohn's disease -- can cause a ferritin or iron deficiency. A person who has had a section of her small intestine resected, or removed, during surgery may also have a more difficult time absorbing iron and other nutrients. Certain medications -- especially medications that decrease stomach acid -- may impair iron absorption. The MedlinePlus website states that the lower the ferritin level, the greater the likelihood that a person does not have sufficient iron. A person with a condition that could impair iron absorption should have her ferritin levels checked on a regular basis.
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