Decreased Ferritin

A subnormal serum ferritin concentration (>7 ng/mL for children, 11 ng/mL for women, and 24 ng/mL for men), indicating reduced total body iron stores and typically reflecting absolute iron deficiency, in the absence of confounding acute or chronic inflammatory states where ferritin behaves as an acute-phase reactant.

Causes

• Blood Loss

  • Heavy menstrual periods

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding: Ulcers, gastritis, hemorrhoids, polyps, cancer

  • Other causes: Blood donations, recent surgery, or major injury

  • Medications: NSAIDs

• Inadequate Dietary Iron

  • Low consumption/Malnutrition

  • Vegetarian and vegan diets

• Poor Absorption

  • GI disease: Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis

  • Gastric bypass surgery

  • Stomach acid reducers: Antacids or acid-blocking medications (like PPIs)

  • Infections: H. pylori

• Increased Iron Demands

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Endurance training: Iron loss through sweat and  foot strike hemolysis

  • Growth spurts

• Chronic Illnesses

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Chronic inflammation