Signs of Ferritin Deficiency

Iron – a vital component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body – plays a critical role in sustaining human health. When iron levels are low, the body can’t produce sufficient healthy red blood cells which leads to a deficiency in ferritin, a protein that contains iron. An iron deficiency can cause a range of symptoms and, if left untreated, will lead to anaemia which can affect overall health and wellbeing.

In this article, we’ll outline some common symptoms of ferritin deficiency to help you to recognise the signs in your customers.

The importance of iron deficiency testing

It goes without saying that these symptoms may be a sign of an iron deficiency but could also be the result of other health conditions, so making an assumption without proper iron testing is inappropriate. Fortunately, determining if a customer has an iron deficiency is straightforward with our easy-to-use home test kits. Early detection is key to effectively managing and treating ferritin deficiency, so stocking our test kits in your pharmacy gives customers greater control over their own health and management.

Tips for successful finger prick blood tests include:

• Avoiding the thumb or index finger, as the test is more likely to be painful.
• Warming the finger first to improve circulation.
• Placing the device against the side of the finger rather than the top.
• Allowing the blood to drip naturally from the finger rather than attempting to squeeze it out, as excess pressure can burst the red blood cells and produce an inaccurate result.
• Check the colour card provided to interpret your results.