Iron deficiency anemia is the reduction in red blood cells in the body due to low levels of iron. Iron is an essential mineral needed to form hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen. Ferritin is a protein that binds to iron in the body.
Ferritin and Iron Deficiency
Most of the iron in organs such as liver, spleen and bone marrow where iron is stored, is bound to ferritin. The amount of ferritin in the blood is directly related to the amounts of iron stored in the body. A ferritin test is used to indirectly measure the amount of iron in the blood. Normal ferritin levels in males are 12-300ng mL while in females, normal levels are 12-150ng/mL. The lower the ferritin levels, the more likely the patient is iron deficient.
Ferritin Test
A ferritin test to check for levels of iron in the body is conducted by a health professional. A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. Patients with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia may experience abnormal bleeding at site of injection and should be monitored. Patients taking blood thinning medication such as coumadin and aspirin may also experience abnormal bleeding.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Patients with iron deficiency anemia experience symptoms such as paleness of the skin, headaches, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, increased heart rate, irritability, ringing in the ears, drowsiness, sores at the corners of the mouth or spoon shaped finger and toe nails. Severe anemia may result in shock and heart failure.
Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is treated using anemia-rich foods and iron supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Natural sources of iron include organ meats such as liver and kidney, red meat, fish, poultry, green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccolli, collards and turnip greens, legumes such as lima beans. Fortified breakfast cereals and iron-enriched breads are also excellent sources of iron. Iron supplements are taken together with food rich in vitamin C so as to increase iron levels in the blood. Vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits aid in the absorption of iron.
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