Tag

Iron Deficiency

All articles tagged with #iron deficiency

health4 days ago•3 min saved

ASH Guidelines Shift Ferritin Thresholds to Catch Hidden Iron Deficiency

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has released new guidelines that lower the ferritin thresholds required to diagnose iron deficiency, aiming to identify the condition earlier. These updated standards replace statistical 'normal' ranges with clinical outcome-based markers, potentially reclassifying many previously 'normal' results as deficient. The change is particularly significant for women with heavy menstrual bleeding and pregnant individuals, who now have higher diagnostic cutoffs. Experts emphasize that iron deficiency affects approximately 14% of U.S. adults and often precedes anemia, causing fatigue and cognitive issues without obvious symptoms. While the guidelines standardize diagnosis, they do not mandate immediate supplementation; treatment depends on the underlying cause, which may include blood loss or absorption issues. High ferritin levels do not necessarily indicate excess iron, as inflammation or liver disease can also elevate these markers.

via TODAY.com|

#ash-guidelines #blood-tests #ferritin-levels

health7 days ago•7 min saved

New Hematology Guidelines Lower Thresholds to Catch Undiagnosed Iron Deficiency

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has released its first standardized guidelines for diagnosing iron deficiency, aiming to address widespread underdiagnosis in the U.S. The new recommendations lower the ferritin threshold for deficiency, particularly for women with heavy menstrual periods, to ensure earlier detection and treatment. Experts note that while iron deficiency affects nearly one-third of U.S. adults, it is often missed because standard blood tests do not measure ferritin levels, leading to untreated symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues.

via NBC News|

#anemia #ash-guidelines #ferritin-levels

health23 days ago•10 min saved

Ferritin Face Debunked: Skin Clues Don’t Confirm Iron Levels

A TikTok trend claims that low iron leaves visible clues on the face, but ferritin reflects iron stores, not a reliable facial cue. Severe iron deficiency with anaemia can make skin pale, but many factors—sleep, hormones, dehydration—affect complexion. The only way to know iron status is a ferritin blood test; if low, a clinician may recommend iron supplements, though excess iron can be toxic. Diet can help (haem iron from meat/fish; non-haem iron from plants paired with vitamin C). People at higher risk (pregnant individuals, heavy periods, inflammatory bowel disease, vegetarians/vegans) should consult a doctor rather than rely on social media or purchase supplements online.

via The Conversation|

#blood-test #ferritin #health

health25 days ago•20 min saved

Ferritin Face Debunked: Why Looks Can't Tell If You're Iron-Deficient

A Washington Post health piece warns that the trend of diagnosing iron deficiency from appearance—centered on a supposed 'ferritin face'—is unreliable. While low ferritin can accompany fatigue and other symptoms, you cannot diagnose deficiency from looks alone; proper assessment requires medical history and ferritin/iron tests, and social-media claims often oversimplify a complex condition.

via The Washington Post|

#ferritin #ferritin-face #health

health1 month ago•0 min saved

Iron-Deficiency Reality Check: Debunking the ‘Ferritin Face’ Trend

The article examines the social-media idea of a “ferritin face” signaling iron deficiency, clarifying that iron deficiency is the world’s leading nutritional deficiency and affects about one in three US adults, especially women. Experts say the condition is often underrecognized and not just a normal part of life for women in their 20s–30s, underscoring the importance of checking iron levels rather than relying on appearances.

via nytimes.com|

#ferritin #ferritin-face #health

health1 month ago•7 min saved

Ferritin Face Debunked: Iron Deficiency Isn’t a cosmetic diagnosis

A Vogue explainer makes clear that “ferritin face” is not a medical term but a social-media trend suggesting iron deficiency. Ferritin stores iron in the body, and doctors measure it to gauge iron stores, but a single iron test isn’t enough to confirm deficiency. A proper diagnosis requires a full iron panel (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) and clinical evaluation to rule out other causes like hormonal or thyroid issues. If iron deficiency is found, treatment may include iron-rich foods, carefully prescribed supplements, or infusions, but unnecessary supplementation can be harmful. The takeaway: don’t self-diagnose from trends—seek medical advice to identify the underlying cause and tailor treatment.

via Vogue|

#ferritin #ferritin-face #health

wellness2 months ago•14 min saved

Iron on the Balance Beam: How Much Is Too Much or Too Little?

Low iron is usually due to inadequate intake, poor absorption, or chronic blood loss (e.g., heavy periods or GI issues); a blood test is the best way to confirm iron deficiency. If your doctor prescribes supplements, doses depend on age, deficiency severity, cause, and pregnancy status (common guidance is about 65 mg of elemental iron daily for deficiency, and around 27 mg daily during pregnancy). Fatigue alone isn’t a reliable sign of iron deficiency, and some conditions (thalassemia, myelodysplastic syndrome) won’t respond to iron. Don’t exceed roughly 120 mg elemental iron per dose, and routine dosing benefits don’t increase with multiple daily doses. Normal iron levels differ by sex (men 70–180 mcg/dL; women 60–170 mcg/dL). Signs of taking too much include constipation, nausea, dark stools, joint pain, weight loss, and reduced libido; long-term overload can lead to heart or liver disease, so monitor hemoglobin and ferritin with a clinician.

via HuffPost|

#ferritin #hemoglobin #iron-deficiency

health2 months ago•57 min saved

Could Your Iron Supplement Be Too Much of a Good Thing? Here’s How to Tell

A HuffPost health piece explains that iron deficiency is common and outlines how much iron to take (roughly 65 mg of elemental iron daily for deficiency, 27 mg daily during pregnancy). It notes that taking too much can cause constipation, upset stomach, and dark stools, and long-term iron overload can harm the heart or liver. The article emphasizes confirming iron deficiency with a blood test before starting supplements and consulting a doctor for personalized dosing, since fatigue has many causes and other conditions can mimic iron deficiency (e.g., thalassemia) and won’t respond to iron alone.

via AOL.com|

#blood-tests #ferritin #health

health2 months ago•8 min saved

Dark Circles May Signal Hidden Iron Deficiency, Doctors Warn

Dark under‑eye circles can reflect depleted iron stores (low ferritin), since ferritin helps store iron for hemoglobin production and proper skin color. Medical experts emphasize that while the trend has some truth, people should not self-treat with iron and should seek professional evaluation if they notice persistent dark circles. Diagnosis involves blood tests to check iron and ferritin levels, and may include tests for bleeding sources or malabsorption. Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include dietary iron, oral iron (often spaced every other day to improve absorption and reduce side effects) or, in severe cases, IV iron or transfusions. Once ferritin and hemoglobin rebound, the skin color and under-eye appearance can improve over months. Important caveat: excessive iron supplementation can cause serious health issues, so medical guidance is essential.

via Fox News|

#ferritin #ferritin-face #health

health2 months ago•4 min saved

Ferritin Face: Skin Signals Hidden Iron Storage Gaps

‘Ferritin face’ is a social-media nickname for skin changes—wrinkles, dull skin, and dark under-eye circles—that may reflect low ferritin, the body's iron storage. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and other symptoms, and may exist even when standard blood tests look normal. About 34% of women aged 18–50 are iron deficient, per a 2024 study, and ferritin testing is typically ordered if a CBC shows low hemoglobin or iron-deficiency risk. Doctors may miss borderline ferritin levels, making awareness important. Iron is essential for hemoglobin, muscle and brain function, hair growth, and skin health, so low ferritin can affect more than appearance.

via New York Post|

#ferritin #ferritin-face #ferritin-test

health2 months ago•20 min saved

Heavy Periods, Heavy Toll: The Hidden Health Crisis Women Face

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a serious, under-recognized condition affecting a large share of reproductive-aged women and can signal other health problems such as fibroids, endometriosis, or blood disorders; it can lead to iron deficiency, fatigue, and life disruption—including missed school and work—with broad societal costs. Research into its causes, diagnostics, and treatments remains limited, but new initiatives aim to speed diagnosis and improve care through biomarkers, innovative monitoring, and community-focused approaches.

via BBC|

#health #iron-deficiency #menstruation

health-and-wellness3 months ago•11 min saved

Autoimmune Gastritis Spotlight: Lori Taylor's Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Lori Taylor, a 60-year-old dietitian, describes living with autoimmune gastritis—the same condition Bryan Johnson recently disclosed—highlighting years of stomach issues, hair loss, brain fog, and iron deficiency before diagnosis. After tests showed elevated parietal cell antibodies and stomach inflammation, she began treatments including betaine hydrochloride to raise stomach acid, iron infusions, and B12 injections, which markedly improved her cognitive function and IBS-like symptoms. AIG remains hard to diagnose and may cause multiple nutrient deficiencies; Taylor notes Johnson's platform could raise awareness and accelerate research into better treatments.

via Business Insider|

#autoimmune-gastritis #brain-fog #bryan-johnson

health3 months ago•6 min saved

Iron absorption linked to autoimmune gastritis: Bryan Johnson's warning

Biohacker Bryan Johnson says he has autoimmune gastritis, which reduces stomach acid and iron absorption, explaining years of low ferritin. After oral iron failed to raise his iron stores, he’s opted for iron infusions and regular ferritin monitoring; the article notes that about 1 in 4 Americans may have insufficient iron intake or absorption, highlighting a broader public-health issue.

via New York Post|

#autoimmune-gastritis #bryan-johnson #ferritin

health3 months ago•15 min saved

Billionaire Bryan Johnson reveals autoimmune gastritis is 'eating' his stomach

Billionaire anti-aging influencer Bryan Johnson disclosed that he has autoimmune gastritis (AIG), a hidden autoimmune condition where the stomach lining is attacked, linked to a long history of iron deficiency and thyroid disease. Diagnosed via a bi-directional endoscopy with elevated anti-parietal cell antibodies, he outlines a proactive management plan including routine ferritin/iron/B12 monitoring and a 1,000 mg monoclonal iron infusion, plus a phased strategy from supportive care to experimental therapies, all while noting there’s no cure today and urging ongoing health surveillance.

via The Times of India|

#anti-parietal-cell-antibodies #autoimmune-gastritis #bi-directional-endoscopy

health3 months ago•8 min saved

Longevity Pioneer Bryan Johnson Diagnosed with Autoimmune Gastritis, Upending Nutrient-Absorption Strategy

Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson revealed he has autoimmune gastritis (AIG), an autoimmune attack on the stomach’s parietal cells that reduces acid and intrinsic factor, impairing iron and B12 absorption. Diagnosed recently, the condition threatens his nutrient balance and longevity regimen, as iron deficiency can occur without anemia, and there’s a heightened risk of gastric cancer over time. There is no cure; management involves monitoring, supplementation, and regular checks. Johnson is pursuing IV iron, advanced immune testing, and experimental approaches as part of his ongoing health optimization.

via The Times of India|

#autoimmune-gastritis #bryan-johnson #health