{"id":32157,"date":"2026-07-15T15:09:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T08:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/w9wellness.com\/?p=32157"},"modified":"2026-07-15T15:09:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T08:09:39","slug":"chronic-low-ferritin-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/w9wellness.com\/en\/chronic-low-ferritin-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Chronic low ferritin levels that don't improve with iron supplements might not just be due to an "iron deficiency.""},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people have received health check results that... Chronically low ferritin levels.<\/strong> Along with recommendations to increase iron intake and return for a follow-up test, for some people, ferritin levels gradually improve, but for others, even with continued self-care, test results remain low or do not change as much as expected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this situation, the important question may not be... "Should I take iron supplements?"<\/strong> But... "Why does my body consistently have low ferritin levels?"<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although iron deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake is a common cause, low ferritin can be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic blood loss, nutrient malabsorption disorders, or certain diseases that are often asymptomatic in their early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This issue has received more attention after... Bryan Johnson<\/strong> An American businessman and founder of the Blueprint project revealed that he has been diagnosed with... Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG)<\/strong> Or an autoimmune disease that attacks the gastric lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What's interesting isn't just the diagnosis, but what Bryan had before that. Ferritin levels have been consistently low for over 11 years.<\/strong> While hemoglobin levels and most basic blood test results do not yet clearly show anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, he also has a history. Hashimoto's thyroiditis<\/strong> This is an autoimmune disease that has caused hypothyroidism since the age of 21. After considering all the information, including the trend of test results, the history of autoimmune diseases, and additional tests such as antibody testing, gastroscopy, and biopsy, the doctors confirmed the diagnosis of early-stage autoimmune gastritis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In medicine, the relationship between thyroid and gastric autoimmune diseases has long been known, with the term... Thyrogastric Syndrome<\/strong> To explain the co-occurrence of both diseases in some patients, however, it does not mean that someone with Hashimoto's thyroiditis will always have autoimmune gastritis. Rather, individuals with one autoimmune disease may have a higher chance of developing another autoimmune disease than the general population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The case of Bryan Johnson, therefore, does not highlight the idea that "even with good health, you can still get sick," but rather reflects a more important perspective: Recurring minor abnormalities may be a signal that warrants further investigation into the underlying cause, rather than simply focusing on correcting the numbers on the test results.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, low ferritin levels don't always mean autoimmune gastritis, but if these levels remain persistently low or don't respond to medical advice, a systematic further evaluation may help identify the underlying cause in its early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make an appointment to consult with us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Low ferritin levels may not be due to insufficient iron intake.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people mistakenly believe that low ferritin levels mean the body isn't getting enough iron, but in reality... Ferritin is a protein that functions in storing iron.<\/strong> Therefore, it is like a "reserve" for the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the body begins to lack iron, it will draw iron from its reserves first, causing ferritin levels to drop. Meanwhile, hemoglobin levels, or a complete blood count (CBC), may still be within the reference range. This is why some patients have chronically low ferritin levels for a long time without being diagnosed with anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, low ferritin levels don't always mean the problem is with diet. In some people, their bodies get enough iron but don't absorb it well. One cause that doctors might consider is... Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG)<\/strong> Autoimmune disease that attacks the gastric lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This disease is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body. Parietal Cells<\/strong> These are cells that are responsible for producing stomach acid and... Intrinsic Factor<\/strong> Essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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When the number of parietal cells decreases, so does the production of stomach acid. This results in impaired iron absorption from food. The body then begins to use stored iron, causing ferritin levels to gradually decrease, even though the patient may not yet have obvious signs of anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the disease progresses for a long time, the production of intrinsic factor will decrease further, leading to impaired vitamin B12 absorption. Some patients may then begin to experience symptoms such as fatigue, numbness in the hands and feet, decreased memory, or brain fog due to vitamin B12 deficiency in the later stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

but Autoimmune gastritis is not the only cause of low ferritin.<\/strong> This condition can result from chronic blood loss, insufficient iron intake, malabsorption disorders from other diseases, or a variety of other health factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the important thing is not to rush to conclude that low ferritin is caused by any particular disease, but to find the answer to... Why are ferritin levels chronically low?<\/strong> To enable us to plan examinations and care that are appropriate for each individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check your vitamin levels.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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When should further evaluation be performed for chronically low ferritin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A single instance of low ferritin levels does not necessarily mean there is an underlying serious illness, but if found in conjunction with the following factors, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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