In Reply to: low serum ferritin level posted by Toni Wellington on August 14, 2000 at 19:54:52:

: My serum ferritin level is 3. Do you know at what point it causes serious complications? Do you know if there is any association between low ferritin and fatigue? Low ferritin and fast pulse? My Hgb. is 10.3. I am unable to supplement with iron because of reaction. And, to date, the doctors have been unable to pin point the cause. They lean towards microscopic bleeding or malabsorption of iron - perhaps part of being 75 years old. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Tony,
Yes, the two are related. Ferritin is a protein that binds to iron for storing. When the iron level falls, the ferritin falls. The fast pulse means your body is working way too hard to compensate for the anemia. Since you are lacking sufficient Hgb, you are lacking O2, and your heart is having to pump much harder to compensate and get the oxygenated blood to the tissues. There is a book called "Understanding Anemia" by Ed Uthaman, MD which describes all the different types of anemia. I highly recommend it. You can read the first chapter online at: This is what I did and then I bought the book through Amazon.com pretty cheaply.

As for iron intake, I also cannot take supplements. My ferritin level is 6 and I'm also B-12 deficient, in my case the Schillings test suggests that my stomach lining is not producing Intrinsic Factor. But I seem to be able to absorb iron. Until the definite cause is determined (have they checked your B-12??) Please DO!!!! Very important! I suggest that you continue to eat iron rich foods: kale, collards, red meat, lentils, garbanzos, sea vegetables, etc and ask about iron injections. Those are a last resort, but given your age and your symptoms, I'm guessing you need treatment now.

Please take care and remember to inform yourself as much as you can; doctors are human and can overlook things....

• Re: low serum ferritin level Lisa from the Bay Area 13:40:40 8/26/00 (0)