Ferritin
If you have low ferritin levels, you may be experiencing symptoms of tiredness and breathlessness or you might even be feeling dizzy.
Ferritin Blood Test
If you are suffering from low ferritin levels, it is likely that you will be feeling dizzy and tired and you may also feel breathless. The symptoms of low ferritin levels are also similar to those of thyroid issues, low Vitamin D and anaemia.
Ferritin blood test – why would you check?
Ferritin is the protein which stores iron in the bloodstream, which releases iron when your body has a need for it. Ferritin is most commonly found in the skeletal muscles and bone marrow, as well as the spleen and liver.
Low ferritin levels can be an indicator of an iron deficiency. The root causes of iron deficiencies can be down to poor lifestyle choices and diet but they can also arise as a result of anaemia or excessive bleeding. Ferritin levels can also be high and this can be indicative of liver disease or rheumatoid arthritis. High ferritin levels also show that your body is storing too much iron and you may be suffering from an inflammatory condition as a result.
How to help increase your ferritin levels
Upping your ferritin levels can be increased by eating foods which are naturally rich in iron. Iron-rich foods include lean meats, beans and nuts and dark green leafy vegetables. Certain breakfast cereals have been fortified with iron. If you are increasing your intake of iron-rich foods, it will help to consume more Vitamin C rich foods, such as kiwis or oranges, to aid with iron absorption.
Testing ferritin levels for wellness
The test can be performed using a small amount of blood from a finger prick, which you can do yourself.
How often should I test my ferritin levels?
We recommend testing your ferritin levels when experiencing symptoms, or having a restricted diet.
Other Questions
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Pale skin
- Palpitations
- Joint pain
- Stomach ache
This blood test is to check on:
- the amount of ferritin (iron) in the blood
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test which needs to be taken first thing in the morning and posted on the same day on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Collection method: Finger prick
Results available: 2-5 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Ferritin
Ferritin is a blood protein which contains iron. The test will measure how much iron your body stores. Low levels may be indicative of anaemia, too high could be indicative of iron overload.
How it Works
1. Order and Receive Your Test
Order your Blood Test.
Receive it directly at home or work.
Delivered by courier with Free shipping.
2. Take the Easy Finger-prick Blood Test
Activate your test online.
Collect 2-3 drops of blood.
3. Freepost your Blood sample to our laboratories
Use the pre-paid package to post to our laboratories.
Simply drop it into your nearest high-priority Royal Mail postbox.
4. Our laboratory team run the tests
Tests are run by our staff in a clean and secure environment.
All possible measures are taken to keep Vampires out.
5. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
Login to your account to review the results.
6. Track your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests, you can track your results.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
What’s In The Test?
Home to laboratory kit
- Blood Test
- A prepaid return envelope (UK & Ireland only)
- Two single-use lancets
- One blood collection tube
- One blood collection tube label
- One plastic blood collection tube case
- Two adhesive plasters
- A cleansing wipe
