Experts say symptoms such as dark circles under the eyes, grey skin, cracked lips and hair loss can be a warning sign – but there are other factors too
TikTok is rife with influencers warning of “ferritin face”, a term they use to describe the pallor, dark circles, dry skin, and hair loss claimed to indicate low iron stores. But is this based on fact or fiction, and when is it time to head to the GP?
Iron is not made in the body, so typically we consume it in our diet. Ferritin is the protein responsible for storing iron in the body, particularly in the liver, and releasing it in a controlled manner.
By measuring ferritin levels, which can be checked via blood tests, it is possible to get an snapshot of the body’s iron reserves, although experts warn such levels are not always a reliable guide.
Blood ferritin levels of less than 30 micrograms/L indicate an iron deficiency, according to guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
However “a level below 50 might be a pointer of iron deficiency,” said Sue Pavord, professor of practice in medical haematology at Oxford University hospitals.
The symptoms influencers describe, such as dark circles under the eyes, grey skin, cracked lips and hair loss, can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, stress and dehydration. But experts say low iron stores can have an effect.
“Iron is needed for every single cell of the body. So if you are iron deficient, you will be very fatigued, have brain fog, your skin will look dull and saggy, you’ll look pale and tired,” said Pavord.
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