Iron is an essential nutrient required for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also required for many other functions in the body, including DNA synthesis, immune system function, and energy metabolism.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body and allows your body to use the iron when it needs it. It is primarily found in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Ferritin levels in the body can be affected by a variety of factors, including diet, inflammation, and certain medications.
The amount of ferritin in the blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body. Iron is needed to make healthy red blood cells. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transfers oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.
The normal range for ferritin in your blood serum is as presented in the table below
| Group | ng/mL |
| Adult males | 24–336 |
| Adult females | 24–307 |
| Newborns | 25–200 |
| Infants aged 1 month | 200–600 |
| Infants aged 2–5 months | 50–200 |
| Children aged 6 months to 15 years | 7–140 |
Ferritin levels in the body can be affected by a variety of factors, including diet, inflammation, and certain medications. Low ferritin levels can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. In this article, we will discuss medications that can cause low ferritin levels.
Medications That Can Cause Low Ferritin Levels
Certain medications can cause low ferritin levels by interfering with the body’s ability to absorb or use iron. Some medications can also cause inflammation or damage to the liver, spleen, or bone marrow, which can lead to decreased ferritin levels. Here are some medications that can cause low ferritin levels:
1. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of medications used to treat acid reflux, GERD, and other digestive conditions. Examples of PPIs include omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole.
Studies have shown that long-term use of PPIs can lead to decreased absorption of iron and other nutrients. This can lead to low ferritin levels and iron deficiency anemia. PPIs can also cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to damage to the cells that produce ferritin.
2. H2 blockers
H2 blockers are another class of medications used to treat acid reflux and other digestive conditions. Examples of H2 blockers include ranitidine, famotidine, and cimetidine.
Like PPIs, H2 blockers can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. H2 blockers can also cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to damage to the cells that produce ferritin.
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
NSAIDs can cause inflammation and damage to the cells in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to decreased production of ferritin. NSAIDs can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients.
4. Antacids
Antacids are medications used to neutralize stomach acid and treat acid reflux and other digestive conditions. Examples of antacids include calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide.
Antacids can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients by reducing the acidity of the stomach. This can lead to decreased absorption of iron and other minerals, which can result in low ferritin levels and iron deficiency anemia.
5. Statins
Statins are a class of medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Examples of statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin.
Studies have shown that statins can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. Statins can also cause inflammation and damage to the liver, which can lead to decreased production of ferritin.
6. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. Examples of antibiotics include penicillin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin.
Some antibiotics can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. Antibiotics can also cause inflammation and damage to the cells in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to decreased production of ferritin.
Chemotherapy drugs are medications used to treat cancer. Examples of chemotherapy drugs include doxorubicin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel.
Chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing ferritin. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause inflammation and damage to the liver, which can lead to decreased production of ferritin.
Immunomodulators are medications used to treat autoimmune diseases and other conditions in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Examples of immunomodulators include methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclosporine.
Immunomodulators can cause inflammation and damage to the liver and spleen, which can lead to decreased production of ferritin. Immunomodulators can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients.
Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Examples of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Some studies have suggested that antidepressants can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. Antidepressants can also cause inflammation and damage to the liver and spleen, which can lead to decreased production of ferritin.
Hormonal contraceptives are medications used to prevent pregnancy. Examples of hormonal contraceptives include birth control pills, patches, and injections.
Studies have shown that hormonal contraceptives can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. Hormonal contraceptives can also cause inflammation and damage to the liver and spleen, which can lead to decreased production of ferritin.
How To Prevent Medications Induced Low Ferritin Levels
As discussed above low ferritin levels can be caused by many medications. Here are some ways to prevent medication-induced low ferritin levels:
1. Consult with your doctor: If you are taking medications that can lower your ferritin levels, talk to your doctor. They may recommend an alternative medication or a supplement to help maintain your ferritin levels.
2. Take supplements: Taking iron supplements or multivitamins that contain iron can help prevent low ferritin levels. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements as excessive iron intake can be harmful.
3. Watch your diet: Eating foods that are rich in iron such as meat, fish, and leafy greens can help maintain your ferritin levels. You can also pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, and tomatoes to increase iron absorption.
4. Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with iron absorption and increase the risk of low ferritin levels.
5. Take medication as prescribed: If you are taking medications that can lower your ferritin levels, take them as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take them for longer than necessary.
6. Monitor your ferritin levels: If you are at risk of low ferritin levels, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your ferritin levels. This can help identify any potential problems early on and allow for timely intervention.
It is important to note that low ferritin levels can also be caused by other factors such as a poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pregnancy. If you are experiencing symptoms of low ferritin levels such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, speak to your doctor. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Low ferritin levels can lead to iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which there is not enough iron in the body to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Certain medications can cause low ferritin levels by interfering with the body’s ability to absorb or use iron, or by causing inflammation or damage to the liver, spleen, or bone marrow. If you are taking any of the medications listed above and are experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, talk to your healthcare provider about getting your ferritin levels checked. Your healthcare provider may recommend changes to your medication regimen or other treatments to help raise your ferritin levels and prevent iron deficiency anemia.
