Iron deficiency and anemia occur when the body doesn't have enough iron. This is often due to blood loss, pregnancy, or inadequate iron intake.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, primarily in the liver, and releases it when needed. The amount of ferritin in your blood reflects your overall iron stores. In red blood cells, iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Ferritin is mostly stored inside cells, with only small amounts circulating in the blood. However, certain conditions—such as liver disease, chronic infections, cancer, or autoimmune disorders—can cause ferritin levels to rise, even if total body iron is normal. Because of this, ferritin levels may not always be a reliable indicator of iron deficiency in these cases.

Causes of Iron Deficiency

A lack of iron can lead to a drop in hemoglobin levels, causing anemia. The three main causes of iron deficiency are:

1. Inadequate dietary intake – Not consuming enough iron-rich foods.
2. Poor absorption – Conditions like celiac disease or certain medications can reduce iron absorption.
3. Blood loss – Heavy periods, hemorrhoids, or long-term bleeding can deplete iron stores.

Pregnancy also increases the body's iron demand, which can lead to deficiency if intake is insufficient.

Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia reduces oxygen delivery throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, and light-headedness
• Heart palpitations (irregular or strong heartbeats)
• Pale or sallow skin, brittle nails, and hair loss
• Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
• Poor performance at school or work
• Frequent infections
• Behavioral issues in children
• Low sex drive (decreased libido)

Managing Iron Levels

Maintaining the right amount of iron is crucial. Low iron can lead to anemia, while too much iron can be toxic. Since the body can't produce iron on its own, it must be obtained from food or supplements. If you don't get enough iron daily, you may develop iron deficiency, the world's most common nutritional disorder.

Most conditions related to low or high iron can be managed with:

• Iron supplements (for low iron)
• Dietary changes
• Medications
• Other medical treatments

Iron deficiency or anemia can often be treated with iron tablets prescribed by a doctor and by consuming iron-rich foods.

How to Check Your Iron Levels

The only reliable way to determine if you're iron deficient is through a blood test.

This at-home iron test offers a quick and easy way to check your iron levels without visiting a lab:

• Provides a clear iron level result
• Simple finger-prick lateral flow test
• Fast results in 10 minutes – no lab processing needed
• Clinically tested with 95.1% accuracy
• Affordable and time-saving

The Iron Deficiency Rapid Test Kit can be used by both healthcare professionals and individuals at home. It provides a reliable indication of your ferritin levels, making it ideal for anyone who wants a quick assessment of their current iron levels.

Understanding Your Test Results

If your test results are outside the normal range, it does not necessarily indicate a serious medical condition. Several factors, such as certain medications (e.g., birth control pills, estrogen treatments) and menstrual cycles in women, can affect iron levels. Always consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation if needed.

What’s Included in the Iron Deficiency (Ferritin) Rapid Test Kit?

• Test cassette
• Capillary dropper
• Buffer solution
• Alcohol pad
• Lancet (for finger prick)
• Plaster

Expiration Date: December 2025