- Doctors have warned that physical features such as dark circles and pale skin, dubbed ‘ferritin face’ on TikTok, are not sufficient to diagnose low iron levels.
- Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite, clarified that no specific facial appearance indicates low ferritin, as dark under-eye circles and dull skin can stem from stress, ageing, or dehydration.
- Medical experts stress that a blood test is the only reliable method to measure ferritin, a key protein that stores iron required for oxygen transport and energy.
- High-risk groups for iron deficiency include pregnant women, vegans, individuals with heavy periods, and those with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Legitimate warning signs of an iron deficiency include persistent tiredness, breathlessness, unusual hair shedding, brittle nails, and non-food cravings such as ice.
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