A recent health trend called “ferritin face” is capturing tremendous attention all across the social media, with users claiming that reduced iron levels can make your face look dull, tired and pale.
What is a ferritin face?
The term “ferritin face” is currently all over the internet, describing a pale or grey-looking complexion, dark circles and a tired appearance. However, it is not a recognised medical condition, with no established criteria for diagnosing it.
What does ferritin have to do with iron?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside the body. A ferritin blood test can assist in evaluating the amount of iron inside the body.
Iron is significant, as it helps in stimulating the immune system, energy production, and promoting growth.
Low ferritin may indicate depleted iron stores and can happen ahead of iron-deficiency anemia..
Moreover, Iron also helps in producing haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
Can low iron affect your appearance?
Severe iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which may result in pale skin.
Other symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, headaches, dizziness, palpitations, hair loss and brittle nails.
If you are also experiencing ferritin face? Then, you should also look out for certain associating symptoms such as poor sleep, stress, dehydration and other nutritional deficiencies that can also make your skin pale and tired.
Should you take iron supplements?
People are being advised not to diagnose or treat themselves based solely on social media trends.
Consumption of excessive amounts of iron can cause nausea and diarrhoea and, in severe cases, lead to dangerously low blood pressure, liver failure and other serious complications.
When should you see a doctor?
Anyone concerned about iron deficiency should consult a healthcare professional and undergo appropriate blood tests. Depending on the results, treatment may include dietary changes or iron supplements.
While “ferritin face” continues to trend online, a pale complexion alone does not confirm that someone has low iron or ferritin levels.
