Ferritin is a protein found in your body, and can be thought of as a storage facility of sorts. Ferritin is needed to store iron, a nutrient required for the healthy development of your red blood cells. Normal levels of ferritin range from 12 to 300 ng/mL in men and between 12 and 150 ng/mL in women. If your ferritin levels are low, your iron is low, and you are at risk for anemia. Improve your ferritin to stay healthy and free of anemia.
Step 1
Improve your ferritin levels by increasing your consumption of iron-rich foods. Meat eaters get heme iron through chicken, beef, tuna and shrimp. Vegetarians can eat tofu, blackstrap molasses, kidney beans, raisins, prunes, potatoes and lentils to increase their iron and ferritin through nonheme or plant-based sources of the mineral.
Step 2
Drink orange juice or eat citrus fruits, broccoli or strawberries along with your iron-rich meals to boost iron absorption.
Step 3
Ask your doctor about taking an iron supplement to boost both your iron and ferritin levels. Iron supplements can cause constipation, so make sure you also increase your fiber and fluid intake to minimize side effects.
Step 4
Undergo medical testing if your ferritin fails to improve upon dietary changes. Your doctor might recommend a colonoscopy or endoscopy, procedures that examine the condition of your digestive tract. Gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers or other conditions can decrease your iron and ferritin levels.
Step 5
Begin hormone therapy to reduce abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. The condition, called menorrhagia, can cause women to lose iron, which leads to a drop in ferritin levels. Oral contraceptives or progesterone pills can minimize the bleeding to help improve your ferritin levels.
Things You'll Need
- Iron supplements
- Medications
- Medical tests
