On TikTok and Instagram, the term “FerritinFace” accumulates millions of views, designating a pale complexion, dark circles or a tired face attributed to a lack of iron. If the approach encourages vigilance, the medical reality is more complex.
“Iron deficiency corresponds to insufficient iron stores; if it progresses, it can cause iron deficiency anemia, that is to say a drop in hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. first explains Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical. So, a simple glance in the mirror is not enough to make a diagnosis.
Deficiency or anemia: what is the difference?
It is essential not to confuse simple iron deficiency with overt anemia. “You can lack iron before becoming anemic: reserves decrease first, then hemoglobin drops if the deficiency is not corrected,” adds the doctor.
The mechanisms leading to this depletion of stocks are varied:
- Blood loss: Heavy periods or sometimes invisible digestive bleeding;
- Increased needs: Particularly during pregnancy or periods of rapid growth in young people;
- Contributions and absorption: Restrictive diets, insufficient intakes or pathologies disrupting digestive absorption.
Common symptoms to watch out for
When reserves are depleted, the body ends up sending warning signals. “A moderate deficiency may give no signs”warns the doctor. However, when it becomes more marked, several manifestations may appear:
- On a general level: Unusual fatigue, lasting drop in energy and difficulty concentrating;
- On the cardio-respiratory and neurological level: Shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, headaches and dizziness;
- On the appendages (hair and nails): Weak or brittle nails, dull hair or diffuse hair loss;
- Rarer signs: Cracks at the corners of the lips, sore or smooth tongue, change in taste, or compulsive urge to consume non-food substances (such as ice cream).
“FerritinFace”: can we really see it on the face?
Although the “FerritinFace” phenomenon alerts Internet users, visual examination has its limits.
“A pale face and itching can alert you, but the ‘FerritinFace’ seen on the networks is not a diagnosis: only a blood test can confirm or rule out a deficiency! insists Dr. Kierzek.
“The most suggestive sign is unusual pallor, especially visible on the inside of the eyelids, lips, gums or under the nails“.
Dryer skin or irritated lips can occur, but there are many other causes. Dark circles or a dull complexion after a bad night are often linked to stress, lack of sleep, dehydration or genetics.
Diagnosis and medical care
If in doubt, the process must be supervised by a health professional. “It is reasonable to speak to a doctor in the event of persistent fatigue, unusual shortness of breath, new pallor, diffuse hair loss, very heavy periods, pregnancy or a very restrictive diet.
The assessment is based on precise examinations:
- A CBC / Blood count: To check for possible anemia (decrease in hemoglobin level);
- Ferritin dosage: Carried out as first intention to assess the body’s reserves;
-
The transferrin saturation coefficient:
Added by the doctor in case of doubt, inflammation or kidney failure.
“You should not take iron ‘just in case’: treatment must be adapted to the cause and severity of the deficiency.”
finally notes our expert.
Because uncontrolled supplementation can be harmful.
“In an adult man or a postmenopausal woman, an iron deficiency in particular merits medical research into its cause, in particular possible digestive bleeding.”
Dr. Kierzek concludes with a clear message: “Consult quickly in the event of shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, malaise, severe palpitations, visible blood in the stools or urine, black stools, or fatigue that has become very disabling.”