Why we constantly feel tired even with normal hemoglobin levels

Kazakhstani patients often start restrictive diets assuming they have excess iron when they see high ferritin levels in their lab results. However, pediatric oncologist-hematologist Aigerim Berikkyzy warns that this indicator can be misleading and may stem from entirely different causes.

In simple terms, ferritin acts as the body's iron "storage vault." Crucially, it also functions as an "acute phase reactant," meaning its levels spike automatically whenever the body encounters illness or inflammation.

Why ferritin levels can be "false" positives
According to the specialist, ferritin levels can surge even if actual iron stores are normal or low due to:

• Viral infections and the flu
• Internal inflammatory processes
• Liver disorders
• Specific autoimmune or oncological conditions

Expert warning: High ferritin is not a definitive diagnosis. It is merely a signal that something is wrong within the body's internal systems.

The risks of self-treatment

If a person cuts out iron-rich foods or supplements without professional guidance simply because of a high ferritin reading, they risk developing a genuine iron deficiency or anemia.

To reach an accurate diagnosis, doctors do not rely on ferritin alone. They typically evaluate a Complete Blood Count (to check hemoglobin) alongside C-reactive protein (CRP) to detect active inflammation. Specialists recommend consulting a qualified hematologist rather than self-diagnosing when lab results show abnormalities.