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How Can Serum Ferritin Be Low When Serum Iron Is Normal?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Aug 2014
Question: Anemia (HGB11.8, HCT35, RBC 3.9), low ferritin (25) despite high serum iron (146), normal TBC (332) and transferrin saturation (44%). B12 (1499) and folate (>20) are normal
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Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Iron deficiency anemia

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

You are currently suffering from iron deficiency anemia. It is a common questions patients ask.. How can Serum ferritin be low when serum iron is normal, this is because serum iron can be normal in early iron deficiency anemia. The uptake of the ferritin initially is from the tissues and not from the iron stores.

Here are my suggestions

1. Oral iron supplements once daily
2. Further work up for iron deficiency anemia in the form of stool for occult blood, peripheral smear and urine routine
3. Take lots of green leafy vegetables.If you are a non vegetarian then liver is a rich iron.

Do not worry about low ferritin, it will get replenished with supplements and diet replacements.

I Hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

I wish you good health and a speedy recovery

Regards
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha

Nephrologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 4364 Questions

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How Can Serum Ferritin Be Low When Serum Iron Is Normal?

Brief Answer: Iron deficiency anemia Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query You are currently suffering from iron deficiency anemia. It is a common questions patients ask.. How can Serum ferritin be low when serum iron is normal, this is because serum iron can be normal in early iron deficiency anemia. The uptake of the ferritin initially is from the tissues and not from the iron stores. Here are my suggestions 1. Oral iron supplements once daily 2. Further work up for iron deficiency anemia in the form of stool for occult blood, peripheral smear and urine routine 3. Take lots of green leafy vegetables.If you are a non vegetarian then liver is a rich iron. Do not worry about low ferritin, it will get replenished with supplements and diet replacements. I Hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me I wish you good health and a speedy recovery Regards