Cracked, Spooned, or Pitted Nails
The symptoms of low ferritin can vary from person to person. Another common symptom of low ferritin is cracked, spooned, or pitted nails. As the name suggests, these are discolored nail beds that appear white or brown. This can indicate that the body lacks iron and thus cannot produce sufficient amounts of hemoglobin for the blood cells to carry oxygen around the body effectively. The result is pale skin with a blue tint due to a lack of oxygen delivery throughout the body.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, low ferritin can cause pale skin. This is especially true for those with a diet high in iron-rich foods but who cannot absorb their food’s nutrients. If a person has pale skin but no other symptoms of low ferritin or anemia, it’s likely that they will not suffer from this deficiency after all.
If a person has a low ferritin level, seeking medical attention is essential. A doctor may prescribe iron supplements or refer them to an endocrinologist for further evaluation.
