Iron deficiency

Iron plays a crucial role in many metabolic processes. Consequently, the symptoms of iron deficiency can be quite diverse.

​

SYMPTOMS

• (Lead-like) fatigue

• Exhaustion, lack of motivation

• Forgetfulness, memory problems

• Hair loss

• Cracked corners of the mouth

• Restless Leg Syndrome, sleep disturbances

• Shortness of breath

• Depressive mood

• Headaches, dizziness

​​

DIAGNOSIS

Iron deficiency or anemia (low blood count) can easily be detected through a blood test. There are various laboratory values that can be measured to determine the iron metabolism in the body. The most meaningful results come from a combination of the following parameters: Complete blood count, ferritin (storage iron), transferrin, transferrin saturation, and CRP.

The Hb value indicates the concentration of hemoglobin (the red blood pigment) in the blood. If this value is too low, it is referred to as anemia. However, the hemoglobin (Hb) level alone does not provide information about the iron stored in the body.

Serum ferritin is the central laboratory value for assessing the level of iron stored in the body. In fact, it indicates whether the iron storage is full, reduced, or depleted. If this value is too low, iron deficiency is present. If there is an infection or acute or chronic illness, ferritin levels can be misleadingly high due to inflammation, even when the body's iron stores are depleted.

​

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Many laboratories use reference values for ferritin that are too low. This is one of the main reasons why iron deficiency is often diagnosed too late. Even with a ferritin level < 30 µg/l, iron deficiency is already considered present. However, symptoms such as hair loss and fatigue can occur with ferritin values as low as < 70 µg/l.

For endurance athletes, a ferritin level > 100 µg/l is even recommended.