From the Guidelines
Low ferritin levels should be treated with oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate (100-200 mg/day), and dietary advice to increase iron intake, as iron deficiency can have negative implications for aerobic performance and overall health, as noted in the study by 1. To increase ferritin levels, it is essential to take oral iron supplements, preferably on an empty stomach with vitamin C (like orange juice) to enhance absorption, as suggested by 1. Some key points to consider when treating low ferritin levels include:
- Avoid taking iron with calcium, dairy, coffee, tea, or antacids as these reduce absorption, as mentioned in 1 and 1.
- Common side effects of iron supplements include constipation, nausea, and black stools, which can be minimized by starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing, or trying a gentler formulation like ferrous gluconate or iron bisglycinate, as noted in 1.
- Include iron-rich foods in your diet, such as red meat, liver, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals, to help increase ferritin levels, as recommended by 1.
- Your doctor should monitor your ferritin levels every 3-6 months until normalized, which typically takes 3-6 months of supplementation, as suggested by 1. Low ferritin can cause fatigue, weakness, headaches, and poor concentration, as iron is essential for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport throughout your body, as noted in 1. If symptoms are severe or iron supplements aren't helping, consult your doctor to rule out underlying conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, celiac disease, or gastrointestinal blood loss, as recommended by 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Low Ferritin Levels
Low ferritin levels can be an indication of iron deficiency, which is a common nutritional disorder worldwide 2. Iron deficiency can affect cognitive function and physical performance, making it essential to treat the condition promptly.
Causes and Risk Factors
Iron deficiency can be caused by various factors, including inadequate dietary intake, heavy or prolonged menstruation, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions 2, 3. Athletes, particularly distance runners, are also at risk of iron deficiency due to increased iron loss through sweat and hemolysis 4.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing iron deficiency involves measuring serum ferritin levels, hemoglobin concentration, and other blood parameters 2, 4. Treatment typically involves oral iron supplementation, but intravenous iron therapy may be necessary in cases of severe iron deficiency or intolerance to oral iron 5, 3.
Oral vs. Intravenous Iron Supplementation
Studies have compared the effectiveness of oral and intravenous iron supplementation in treating iron deficiency. One study found that intravenous iron sucrose was more effective than oral iron ferrous sulfate in restoring iron stores in pregnant and postpartum women 3. Another study found that intravenous ferric carboxymaltose increased ferritin levels and improved endurance performance in distance runners with low or suboptimal ferritin levels 4.
Alternative Supplements
Lactoferrin, a milk-derived iron-binding glycoprotein, has been shown to be an effective alternative to ferrous sulfate in treating iron-deficiency anemia 6. Lactoferrin supplementation has been found to improve serum iron parameters and hemoglobin levels, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to ferrous sulfate.
Key Findings
- Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency, which can affect cognitive function and physical performance 2.
- Intravenous iron therapy can be effective in treating severe iron deficiency or intolerance to oral iron 5, 3.
- Lactoferrin supplementation may be a superior alternative to ferrous sulfate in treating iron-deficiency anemia 6.
- Athletes, particularly distance runners, are at risk of iron deficiency and may benefit from iron supplementation 4.