My ferritine level shows very low, what's the significance of this, - #34447
Iam 58 years old...My ferritine level shows 10.10ng/mL recently, haemoglobin level..11.4 ng/mL, RBC 4.4 ng/mL What's the significance of these levels...my weight is 94kg, hypothyroidism patient for last many years, medicines taking fir these daily, it's absolutely controlled stage.


Doctorsâ responses
Hello Manoharan ji I can understand your concern about low ferritin, haemoglobin and RBC But dont worry we are here to help you outđ
â DETAILED INTERPREATATION OF YOUR REPORT
âĄď¸ Ferritin 10.10 ng/mL (very low) Ferritin is like your bodyâs iron store Normal levels for men are 30â300 ng/mL. At 10, it means your iron reserves are almost empty.
Even if hemoglobin is just slightly low now, your body doesnât have backup iron to make more red blood cells.
âĄď¸ Hemoglobin 11.4 g/dL (low)
Normal for men: 13â17 g/dL. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from lungs to every cell. Lowlevels mean your tissues (muscles, brain, heart) are getting less oxygen.
This explains symptoms like fatigue, lack of stamina, palpitations, shortness of breath, poor concentration.
âĄď¸ RBC Count 4.4 million/ÂľL (borderline low)
Normal for men: 4.7â6.1 million/ÂľL.
Indicates your body is struggling to produce new red blood cells due to lack of iron and raw materials.
âĄď¸ Hypothyroidism (controlled but long-standing)
Hypothyroidism itself can reduce metabolism, slow gut function, and impair nutrient absorption. It also worsens fatigue and can make iron deficiency more symptomatic. Many hypothyroid patients also have low stomach acid, which reduces iron absorption.
â ď¸ Why These Results Matter
1. Iron deficiency anemia = You are already showing signs (low ferritin + low Hb + low RBC).
2. If untreated, this can lead to:
Worsening fatigue, dizziness, poor exercise tolerance. Heart strain - your heart has to pump harder to compensate for less oxygen. Poor immunity, frequent infections. Worsening hypothyroidism symptoms.
3. In men, such low ferritin is uncommon without a reason- we must consider chronic blood loss (piles, gastric ulcers, colon polyps), poor diet, or malabsorption.
â RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS
1. Investigations (to find the root cause)
Iron profile: Serum iron, TIBC, Transferrin saturation. Stool occult blood test: to rule out hidden GI bleeding. Vitamin B12 & Folate: other deficiencies can worsen anemia.
â DIET MODIFIACTION
âĄď¸Iron-Rich Foods
Green leafy vegetables: spinach, moringa, curry leaves,bathua. black gram (urad), horse gram (kulthi), masoor dal. sesame (black til), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. pomegranate, apple, dates, raisins, figs. beetroot, carrot, bottle gourd.
Non-veg (if acceptable)- Red meat, liver, eggs (especially yolk).
âĄď¸Absorption Boosters
Always take iron-rich food with Vitamin C source= lemon, amla, orange, guava. Like - Spinach with lemon juice, jaggery water with amla.
Avoid Blockers Do not take tea, coffee, or calcium-rich foods (milk, paneer, curd) immediately after meals. - they reduce iron absorption. Keep a 2-hour gap between iron foods/medicines and dairy.
â AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT
1 Punarnava Mandur 1-0-1 after food supports hemoglobin, reduces swelling, improves digestion.
2 Lohasava 30ml-0-30ml liquid form, easy absorption, helps digestion too.
Triphala churna 1 tsp at night with warm water improves digestion & absorption.
Your low ferritin, low Hb, and low RBC clearly indicate iron deficiency anemia.
It is important because your body has no iron reserve left, and unless corrected, your heart, energy, and immunity will continue to suffer.
With proper care, both your hemoglobin and ferritin can be restored within 2â3 months, and you will feel stronger, more energetic, and protected from complications.
Wishing you a Good healthđ
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
It indicates low level of iron. It may cause, tiredness, nail, hair and skin issues. Also responsible for arrhythmia, Breathlessness. Avoid addiction if any. Regular exercise. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits. Tab. Punarnava Mandir 2-0-2 Cap. Herboiron 1-0-1 follow up after 4weeks
Take punnarvadi mandoor 1tab bd,tab raktapradhata 20ml bd,lohasava 20ml bd enough
Dat means Iron deficiency anaemia ( mild) Start on Punarnavadi mandura 1-0-1 Lohasava 15-0-15 ml with water
Based on your blood test results, there are indications of iron deficiency and anemia.
Significance of Your Laboratory Levels Test Your Result
Ferritin 10.10 ng/mL 12 to 150 ng/mL (Ranges vary by lab/source) Low. Ferritin stores iron; a low level strongly indicates depleted iron stores or Iron Deficiency. Even if a labâs ânormalâ cutoff is 10 ng/mL, levels under 30 ng/mL often signify iron deficiency.
Haemoglobin (Hb) 11.4 ng/mL 12.0 to 16.0 g/dL (The unit ng/mL for Hb is likely a typo in your report and should be g/dL or g/L. Assuming itâs 11.4 g/dL) Low. This value (assuming 11.4 g/dL) is typically considered anemic for an adult woman (under 12.0 g/dL is often the threshold). Combined with low ferritin, this points to Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA).
Red Blood Cells (RBC) 4.4 ng/mL 3.5 to 5.5 million/mcL (The unit ng/mL for RBC is likely a typo and should be million/mcL or million/mm
. Assuming itâs 4.4Â million/mcL) Within a typical range, but on the lower side. In Iron Deficiency Anemia, the RBC count might be near-normal, but the cells are often smaller and paler (microcytic and hypochromic), which would be indicated by other indices like MCV and MCH (not provided).
Summary of Medical Significance Your results strongly suggest you have Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). This means your body lacks sufficient iron to produce enough healthy hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen in your red blood cells), leading to a low hemoglobin level.
Low Ferritin (10.10Â ng/mL) = Iron stores are depleted.
Low Haemoglobin (11.4Â g/dL assumed) = Anemia is present.
Your weight of 94Â kg and a history of controlled hypothyroidism are also factors. Anemia can sometimes occur or be exacerbated in conditions like hypothyroidism, and your weight is a factor for overall health and potential other conditions.
Ayurveda Opinion (Pandu Roga) In Ayurveda, anemia is known as Pandu Roga (meaning âpale white or yellowâ), a condition primarily attributed to the vitiation of Pitta Dosha, with secondary involvement of Vata and Kapha.
Dietary Recommendations (Pathya):
Increase Iron and Vitamin C Rich Foods: Pomegranate, Amla (Indian gooseberry, rich in Vitamin C for iron absorption), dates (Kharjura), raisins, and black sesame seeds (Tila).
Pitta-Pacifying Diet: Avoid excessive heat-producing foods (very spicy, sour, salty, fermented foods like yogurt, pickles) and alcohol.
Include: Whole grains, fresh vegetables, and easily digestible foods.
1) tab Navjeevana rasa -2 tab - before food 3 times with dadima ghrita 10 ml
2) tab tapyadi loha - 1 before food 3 times with water
3) chyawanprash leha- 1 tsf after food with water 3 times
Hello Manoharan,
Thank you for sharing your reports and details clearly. Your case of low ferritin (10.1 ng/mL), borderline hemoglobin (11.4 g/dL), and controlled hypothyroidism suggests iron deficiency anemia in an early stage. Since ferritin represents iron storage in the body, a low value means depleted reserves, which may later worsen anemia, fatigue, hair fall, and immunity issues if not corrected. Your weight (94 kg) also indicates a need to support metabolism and nutrition together.
đ Recommended Investigations
1. Iron studies (Serum Iron, TIBC, Transferrin Saturation) â to confirm deficiency pattern. 2. Vitamin B12 & Folate levels â since their deficiency can mimic anemia. 3. Vitamin D3 & Calcium profile â bone health is often linked with thyroid issues. 4. Thyroid profile (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) â to ensure continued control.
đ Internal Medicine:
First 15 days â Agni Deepana & Raktaposhana (Digestive fire + blood nourishment)
1. Triphala churna â 3 g at bedtime with lukewarm water (improves digestion, clears ama). 2. Punarnava mandoor â 2 tablets twice daily after food (for anemia, liver & kidney support). 3. Amalaki Rasayana â 1 tsp with honey in morning (Vitamin C rich, enhances iron absorption).
After 15 days â Iron building & Rasayana (45 days)
1. Lauh bhasma â 125 mg with honey, once daily after food (natural iron supplement). 2. Dhatri loha â 1 tablet twice daily after meals (iron + digestion booster). 3. Chyawanprash â 1 tsp with warm milk in morning (Rasayana, strengthens immunity & tissues).
đ External Therapy
1. Abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame oil weekly â improves circulation & metabolism. 2. Shiro abhyanga with Bhringraj oil twice a week â helps hair fall due to anemia.
đĽ Diet & Nutrition Tips
â Avoid * Excess tea/coffee (inhibit iron absorption). * Fried/junk food, refined sugar, bakery items. * Very heavy-to-digest meals late at night.
â Include * Iron-rich foods: dates, figs, raisins, jaggery, drumstick leaves, spinach, beetroot, pomegranate. * Vitamin C rich: amla, lemon, orange, guava â take along with iron foods for better absorption. * Protein sources: moong dal, horse gram, sprouts, milk & ghee in moderation. * Sesame seeds & almonds â support bone and thyroid health. * Drink warm jeeraâsaunfâajwain water after meals for digestion.
đ§đťââď¸ Lifestyle & Yoga
1. Pranayama â Anulom Vilom, Bhramari (15 min daily) â improves oxygenation & blood quality. 2. Yoga asanas â Vajrasana, Bhujangasana, Setu Bandhasana (improve metabolism & circulation). 3. Brisk walking â 30 min daily for weight balance & thyroid support. 4. Sleep â at least 7 hrs, avoid late nights (rest supports hemoglobin & immunity). đ Follow up
Recheck Hb & Ferritin after 6â8 weeks.
If still low, dosage of iron formulations may be stepped up.
With consistent correction, ferritin should improve in 2â3 months.
⨠With proper nourishment, iron stores can be replenished, fatigue reduced, and long-term health maintained alongside thyroid care.
With kind regards, Dr. Sumi
Thank you for sharing your reports Looking at your levels, your ferritin is quite low. Haemoglobin is below normal and your blood cell count is on the lower side. This indicates iron deficiency and reduced nourishment of blood. Even though your thyroid is under control, thelow ferritin and haemoglobin sometimes can lead to weakness, headaches, or dizziness In Ayurveda, this shows weakness of blood tissue and digestion. So the approach is to improve absorption support platform and gradually build your strength along with proper food medicine can help improve haemoglobin and ferritin in a natural way You can consider taking Lohasava 10-0-10 ml =water Drakshadi aristha 10-0-10 ml =water Punarnavadi mandura 1-0-1 Amla juice 10 ml on empty stomach Triphala churna 0-0-1 tsp with warm water at night
In diet, include black sesame seeds, dates, rising, pomegranate, beetroot, green, leafy vegetables Avoid tea, coffee, fermented food
You have Iron deficiency anemia (mild). â˘Low ferritin confirms poor iron storage in the body. ⢠This can cause tiredness, low stamina, hair fall, brittle nails, poor concentration, and breathlessness on exertion. It Needs correction, otherwise may worsen.
In Ayurveda, this condition is similar to Pandu Roga (anemia).
Ayurvedic Medicines :-
1. Navayas Lauh - 250 mg (½ tablet) twice daily after meals with honey or warm water. 2. Dhatri Lauh - 1 tablet twice daily after meals with honey. 3. Punarnava Mandur - 2 tablets twice daily after meals with warm water. 4. Triphala Churna - 1 tsp with warm water at bedtime. ⢠Avoid taking with milk, tea, coffee, curd. ⢠Since you have hypothyroidism (well controlled) â these medicines are safe, but do not stop thyroid medicine.
Cook sabjis once or twice a week in iron kadai â naturally raises iron content. ⢠Avoid tea, coffee, excess milk, curd, cold drinks near meals (they block iron absorption). ⢠Add lemon juice to green veggies/dals â improves iron absorption. ⢠Regularly include drumstick leaves, beetroot, black sesame, jaggery, raisins, dates. ⢠Daily 30 min walk / yoga â improves metabolism & blood circulation.
Hello Manoharan Low ferritine levels indicate, your body doesnât have enough iron . Natural way to increase iron levels is to include green leafy vegetables, lentils, prunes , raisins, black dates, black currant, in your diet Include Fruit juice of either pomegranate/ apples/ Amla/ doodhi/ beetroot. In your diet. Ayurvedic medicine you can take Punarnava mandur 1-0-1 Tablet Liv-52 1-0-1 Lohasav 5ml. Twice daily after food with 20 ml. Water. Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika kapalbhati daily for 5-10mins twice If you are having Roti / bread use nachni atta ( finger millet) âŚ
HELLO MONOHAR,
1) WHAT THE REPORT SHOWS -Ferritin= 10.1 ng/mL (very low)= your iron storage is almost empty -Hemoglobin= 11.4 g/dL (low)= you already have anemia -RBC= 4.4 milliom (slightly low)= blood making process is weak
2) WHY IT HAPPENS Most commonly -Loss of blood (small but continuous bleeding in stomach, intestines or piles) -Porr absorption of iron (due to sluggish digestion, low thyroid function , gut problems) -Low intake of iron rich foods
3) SYMPTOMS YOU MAY NOTICE -fatigue, low energy -pale face or eyes -short breath with little exertion -poor concentratin -hair fall, brittle nails -somtimes swelling in feet
4) AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE -This is pandu roga (classical description of anemia) -It is mainly due to agni mandya (weak digestion)-> nutrients not absorbed properly) and Rakta dhatu kshaya (weakness of blood tissue) -Hypothyroidism adds kapha + vata imbalance-> metabolism slows down, digestion weakens further
TREATMENT GOALS -correct the root cause- improve digestion nd absorption -rebuild the blood - safe iron supplementation, nourishing foods -support thyroid balance- keep kapha in control, maintain metabolism -prevent complications- fatigue, heart strain, immunity weakness
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) NAVAYASA LAUHA= 250 mg twice daily after meals or warm water for 3-6 months =classical iron compound, improves Hb and ferritin
2) PUNARNAVA MANDUR= 2 tabs twice daily after meals for 3-6 months =improves Hb, reduces water retention, corrects digestion
3) LOHASAVA= 20 ml with equal water after lunch and dinner for 4 months =liquid iron tonic, easy absorption
4) CHYAWANPRASHA= 1 tsp daily morning = rasayana, improves immunity, supports rakta dhatu
5) TRIKATU CHURNA= 1/4 tsp with honey before meals for 2 months =improves digestion and iron absorption
DIET
IRON RICH NATURAL FOODS -Black sesame seeds, jaggery , dates, raisins, figs -pomegranate, beetroot, carrot, apple, amla -moringa , spinach, methi, leaves -lentils, horse gram, green gram -ghee in moderation- improves digestive fire and absorption
AVOID -excess tea/coffee - blocks iron absorption -junk, oily, heavy, very cold food (weakens digestion) -overuse of dairy and curd at night
HOME REMEDIES -1 tsp black sesame seeds soaked overnight-> grind with jaggery -> take daily - 5 soaked raisins + 2 dates in morning -Pomegranate juice regularly -Beetroot + carrot salad/juice weekly
YOGA ASANAS -bhujangasana -setu bandhasana -paschimottanasana -vajrasana after meals improves digestion
PRANAYAM (10-15 min daily) -Anulom vilom -Bhramari -Kapalbhati
Since you re 58, male with low ferritin it is important to rule out causes -Stool test for occult blood -Upper GI endoscopy/colonospoy -Liver function test -Thyroid profile -Vitamin B12 and folate
Your condition is iron deficiency anemia with hypothyroidism background
Ayurveda calls this pandu roga- caused by weak digestion and depleted blood tissue TREATMENT HAS 3 STAGES -improve digestion so iron is absorbed -rebuild blood with iron formulation + nourishing foods -Support metabolism with lifestyle, yoga and thyroid balance
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

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