Reading and interpreting lab results is a task best left to healthcare professionals and nutritionists. While a blood test may appear normal, it can sometimes hide underlying health issues that require expert evaluation.
Nutrition specialist Blanca Martín recently highlighted a common yet often overlooked condition: low ferritin levels. “If you are experiencing hair loss, fatigue, or brain fog, you may have low ferritin levels,” Martín explains in a social media video, emphasizing that this deficiency can occur even when iron levels appear normal.
Several factors can contribute to low ferritin, including blood loss from menstruation, absorption issues caused by conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, insufficient dietary iron intake, or physiological states such as pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Addressing low ferritin begins with consulting a healthcare professional. Iron supplements are often recommended, but self-medication is strongly discouraged. A doctor or nutritionist will determine the appropriate type and dosage of iron supplement based on an accurate diagnosis and individual needs.
If left untreated, low ferritin can progress to iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that may trigger fatigue, shortness of breath, cardiovascular issues, digestive problems, and changes in skin and mucous membranes. It can also affect cognitive and emotional health, causing difficulty concentrating, irritability, and persistent headaches.
Regular check-ups and professional guidance are essential to identify and treat this hidden deficiency before it leads to more serious health complications.
