Ep. 279 Low Ferritin: More Than Just an Iron Deficiency
Low ferritin is incredibly common, but it’s often overlooked when standard bloodwork is considered “normal.” In this episode, I am breaking down what ferritin actually tells us, why it can be low, and why simply taking more iron isn’t always the answer.
In this episode:
What ferritin is and why it matters for energy, thyroid function, hair, hormones, and overall health
What I consider a more optimal ferritin range vs. simply falling within the standard lab reference range
Common reasons ferritin can be low, including inadequate iron intake, blood loss, pregnancy, and increased nutrient needs
How digestion and gut health influence iron absorption
Why having enough stomach acid and a healthy intestinal lining matters for absorbing nutrients
The connection between inflammation and ferritin and why ferritin can sometimes be misleading when inflammation is present
Why low ferritin isn't always a problem of “not eating enough iron”
How to support iron absorption through nutrition, including pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C
When supplementation may be helpful—and why more iron isn't necessarily better
The bigger picture: looking at ferritin alongside other markers and symptoms rather than treating one lab value in isolation