Dangerously low ferritin levels generally indicate a significant depletion of the body's iron stores and often correspond with iron deficiency anemia.
- The World Health Organization defines low ferritin as less than 15 μg/L in adults and less than 12 μg/L in children, but clinically, iron deficiency can be diagnosed when ferritin levels fall below 30 μg/L
- A ferritin level of 5 μg/L or lower is considered dangerously low and is strongly associated with anemia
- Some sources consider ferritin levels below 10-15 ng/mL (equivalent to μg/L) as low and potentially dangerous, as such low levels indicate severely depleted iron stores that may cause symptoms and health risks
Symptoms associated with dangerously low ferritin include extreme fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, headaches, and difficulty concentrating
. Causes of dangerously low ferritin often include poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic diseases, or pregnancy
. In summary, ferritin levels below about 15 μg/L are considered low, and levels around 5 μg/L or lower are dangerously low, signaling a need for medical evaluation and treatment to prevent complications such as iron deficiency anemia
