What are the long term effects of low iron? I live in a small town and just found out that a year ago, my ferritin level was at 4 and although the test was run, it was never looked at. They ran another test yesterday, and I should find out the results today. Since I have an absorption problem, it is likely much lower now. I will have IV iron in the near future, but want to know what this long term low count may have already done to my body?