How’s your energy lately? Feeling a tad worn out?
It's surprising how many of us go about our days feeling tired and sluggish without realizing that our iron levels might be to blame.
Low iron affects a significant portion of the population...and it's not just about being anemic.
Your blood work can be within range, but if your levels aren’t ideal, you can be dealing with major low iron symptoms.
I’m specifically talking about ferritin levels, a sign that your storage of iron is low. Stay to the end and I’ll tell you what to look for in your blood work :)
Here are 6 signs your ferritin might be a bit too low:
Hair Loss:
Low ferritin levels can cause your hair to fall out. Sometimes in random strands, and sometimes by the handful. When your ferritin is low your cells don’t get enough oxygen…including your hair follicle, causing it to release the hair shaft.
Paleness:
Take a moment to look at your complexion, your lips, and the inner part of your lower eyelids. If they're paler than usual, it could be a sign that your iron levels. Like your hair, this is also due to low oxygen levels getting to your skin, reducing its pinkness.
Shortness of Breath:
Ever find yourself out of breath after a simple task like climbing stairs? If it's not your norm, it might be your body's way of saying, "Hey, I need more oxygen!”, aka iron.
Fatigue:
We're not talking about the typical tiredness you feel after a long day. This is the dragging, can't-get-out-of-bed kind of exhaustion that leaves you feeling like a zombie. When your cells are starved of oxygen, they can't produce energy effectively, leaving you feeling weak and drained.
Weakness:
Have you noticed a general feeling of physical weakness lately? Struggling to lift things you normally handle with ease? It could be another sign of low iron levels.
Headaches and Lightheadedness:
When your iron is low, it can mess with blood flow to your brain, leading to dizziness and those annoying head-pounding moments.
Now, let's talk numbers.
What should your ferritin levels ideally be? Where I live in Canada, low iron is typically diagnosed when ferritin levels drop below 40 ng/ml, or sometimes even as low as 25 ng/ml.
But to thrive and feel your best, aim for a ferritin level between 80 and 100 ng/ml.
This means, if your doctor says your ferritin levels are fine, ask for the specific number. Anything below 50 ng/ml could still be a problem, especially if you're experiencing symptoms.
And if you're still menstruating, monthly blood loss can contribute to low iron levels, making supplementation often necessary. However, if you're not menstruating, be cautious about iron supplements, as high iron levels can be a problem.
So, if this feels like you, consider getting your iron levels checked.
If you’ve tried supplementing but can’t stand how it affects your stomach (hello mega constipation!), this is my favourite iron supplement* (clinically proven to work without digestive issues): Canada / US
xo Lisa
*This is an affiliate link to my Amazon store. Amazon pays me a small amount of commission from your purchase, but this information is not sponsored by the company that makes the supplement, I just really really like it :)