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Rachel V Thomas

Ferritin Face: Can Pale Skin Signal Iron Deficiency?

A new social media trend is prompting people to look more closely at their skin, lips, eyes, hair and nails for possible signs of <span>iron deficiency</span>.

The trend, being referred to as “ferritin face,” centers on an appearance that people describe as looking unusually tired — including dull or dry skin, pale conjunctiva, cracked lips, dark circles under the eyes, and brittle hair and nails.

<h2>What Is ‘<span rel="noindex">Ferritin Face</span>’?</h2>

“<span>Ferritin</span> face” is not a medical term. Ferritin is a protein that stores and releases iron in the body.

Social media users are increasingly sharing photos of changes in their appearance and linking them to low ferritin or iron deficiency. Some are also encouraging others to get their ferritin levels tested.

“Shout out to the person who commented on one of my videos ... ‘you should get your ferritin levels checked because your lips are very pale,’” one woman said in a TikTok video. “It turns out there’s a reason for why I look so tired and crappy all the time.”

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-patient-safety-day-why-insulin-innovation-in-diabetes-care-demands-an-ecosystem-approach-article-156172445" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bryan Johnson's Autoimmune Gastritis Sheds Light On Iron Deficiency In Americans</a>

<h2>Can Iron Deficiency Affect Your Appearance?</h2>

Although there is no standard medical definition of “ferritin face,” low iron levels can coincide with visible changes in the face and other parts of the body.

“While the catchy name is a social media invention, the idea that depleted iron can affect how someone looks is medically valid,” Anna Komorowski, division chief of hematology and medical oncology at Northwell's Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York, was quoted as saying to MedPage Today.

“Importantly, these changes typically occur when deficiency has progressed significantly, not from mildly suboptimal levels.”

<h2>Why Iron Deficiency Can Be Missed</h2>

Iron deficiency is common, affecting nearly a third of adults in the United States. But it can be difficult to recognize because symptoms may be vague and develop gradually. Iron levels are also not routinely checked.

According to research published in JAMA Network Open, about one in four Americans may have inadequate iron intake or absorption. In the study of more than 8,000 Americans, 14 per cent of adults had absolute iron deficiency, reflecting depleted iron stores.

Even after excluding common causes such as <span>anemia</span>, pregnancy, heart failure and chronic kidney disease, 11 per cent remained iron deficient. Another 15 per cent had functional iron deficiency, where iron levels appear normal but the body cannot use the mineral effectively.

“Because some patients may be iron-deficient without being anemic, they may go on for a very long time without being diagnosed,” Imo Akpan, a hematologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and associate professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, was quoted as saying to the Washington Post.

<h2>What Are The Common Signs Of Iron Deficiency?</h2>

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Iron deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including:

<ul><li>Constant tiredness</li><li>Weakness</li><li><span rel="noindex">Pale skin</span></li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Hair loss</li><li>Difficulty concentrating</li><li>Frequent infections</li><li>Under-eye circles, </li><li>Cracks at the corners of the mouth, </li><li>Brittle or slower-growing nails</li><li>Exercise intolerance,</li><li>Cold hands and feet, </li><li>Brain fog </li><li>Cravings for non-food items such as ice, soap or chalk.</li></ul><h2>How Is Iron Deficiency Diagnosed?</h2>

Iron deficiency can be assessed with blood tests, including a ferritin test, which measures the body's stored iron. Ferritin levels below 30 nanograms per millilitre can indicate iron deficiency.

Management depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the deficiency. It can include improving dietary iron intake and taking iron supplements when advised by a healthcare professional.

Iron-rich foods include spinach, beans, lentils, nuts and dates. Vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges and lemons, can also be included in the diet.

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A new social media trend is prompting people to look more closely at their skin, lips, eyes, hair and nails for possible signs of iron deficiency.The trend, being referred to as “ferritin face,” centers on an appearance that people describe as looking unusually tired — including dull or dry skin, pale conjunctiva, cracked lips, dark circles under the eyes, and brittle hair and nails.What Is ‘Ferritin Face’?“Ferritin face” is not a medical term. Ferritin is a protein that stores and releases iron in the body.Social media users are increasingly sharing photos of changes in their appearance and linking them to low ferritin or iron deficiency. Some are also encouraging others to get their ferritin levels tested.“Shout out to the person who commented on one of my videos ... ‘you should get your ferritin levels checked because your lips are very pale,’” one woman said in a TikTok video. “It turns out there’s a reason for why I look so tired and crappy all the time.”Also read: Bryan Johnson's Autoimmune Gastritis Sheds Light On Iron Deficiency In AmericansCan Iron Deficiency Affect Your Appearance?Although there is no standard medical definition of “ferritin face,” low iron levels can coincide with visible changes in the face and other parts of the body.“While the catchy name is a social media invention, the idea that depleted iron can affect how someone looks is medically valid,” Anna Komorowski, division chief of hematology and medical oncology at Northwell's Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York, was quoted as saying to MedPage Today.“Importantly, these changes typically occur when deficiency has progressed significantly, not from mildly suboptimal levels.”Why Iron Deficiency Can Be MissedIron deficiency is common, affecting nearly a third of adults in the United States. But it can be difficult to recognize because symptoms may be vague and develop gradually. Iron levels are also not routinely checked.According to research published in JAMA Network Open, about one in four Americans may have inadequate iron intake or absorption. In the study of more than 8,000 Americans, 14 per cent of adults had absolute iron deficiency, reflecting depleted iron stores.Even after excluding common causes such as anemia, pregnancy, heart failure and chronic kidney disease, 11 per cent remained iron deficient. Another 15 per cent had functional iron deficiency, where iron levels appear normal but the body cannot use the mineral effectively.“Because some patients may be iron-deficient without being anemic, they may go on for a very long time without being diagnosed,” Imo Akpan, a hematologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and associate professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, was quoted as saying to the Washington Post.What Are The Common Signs Of Iron Deficiency?      Iron deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including:Constant tirednessWeaknessPale skinShortness of breathDizzinessHeadachesHair lossDifficulty concentratingFrequent infectionsUnder-eye circles, Cracks at the corners of the mouth, Brittle or slower-growing nailsExercise intolerance,Cold hands and feet, Brain fog Cravings for non-food items such as ice, soap or chalk.How Is Iron Deficiency Diagnosed?Iron deficiency can be assessed with blood tests, including a ferritin test, which measures the body's stored iron. Ferritin levels below 30 nanograms per millilitre can indicate iron deficiency.How Is Iron Deficiency Managed?Management depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the deficiency. It can include improving dietary iron intake and taking iron supplements when advised by a healthcare professional.Iron-rich foods include spinach, beans, lentils, nuts and dates. Vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges and lemons, can also be included in the diet.

ferritin face: can pale skin signal iron deficiency?

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Ferritin Face: Can Pale Skin Signal Iron Deficiency?

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Ferritin Face: Can Pale Skin Signal Iron Deficiency?

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