From the Guidelines
A 30-year-old male would typically begin experiencing fatigue symptoms when ferritin levels fall below 30 μg/L, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study 1. Ferritin is the primary iron storage protein in the body, and low levels indicate depleted iron stores which can impair oxygen transport and energy production. For adult males, normal ferritin ranges from 30-300 μg/L, with levels below 30 μg/L generally considered iron deficient. However, some men may experience fatigue with levels between 30-50 μg/L, particularly if they are physically active or have other health conditions. Key points to consider include:
- An SF level of <15 μg/L is indicative of absent iron stores, while SF levels of less than 30 μg/L are generally indicative of low body iron stores 1.
- An SF cut-off of 45 μg/L has been suggested as providing the optimal trade-off between sensitivity and specificity for iron deficiency in practice 1.
- Treatment typically involves oral iron supplementation, with intravenous iron considered for patients with clinically active inflammatory bowel disease or previous intolerance to oral iron 1. Some men may require individualized treatment approaches, taking into account their specific health status and medical history. It is essential to note that ferritin levels can be influenced by inflammation, and an SF value above 150 μg/L is unlikely to occur with absolute iron deficiency, even in the presence of inflammation 1. Dietary changes to increase iron intake are also recommended, including consuming red meat, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals. If ferritin levels are severely low (below 15 μg/L) or if oral supplementation is ineffective, further investigation for underlying causes such as gastrointestinal bleeding or malabsorption may be necessary.
From the Research
Ferritin Levels and Fatigue in 30yo Males
- The study 2 does not provide specific information on the ferritin level at which a 30-year-old male would be symptomatic with fatigue.
- The study focuses on the effects of oral ferrous bisglycinate supplementation on hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in adults and children, but it does not provide detailed data on fatigue symptoms in relation to ferritin levels.
- The research 2 primarily discusses the benefits of ferrous bisglycinate supplementation in pregnant women, including increased hemoglobin concentrations and reduced gastrointestinal adverse events, but it does not address the specific question of ferritin levels and fatigue in 30-year-old males.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided study 2 to determine the ferritin level at which a 30-year-old male would experience fatigue symptoms.