‘Ferritin face’: are social media claims about iron deficiency fact – or fiction?

Pallor, dark circles, cracked lips, and hair loss—these symptoms are frequently linked on TikTok to "ferritin face," a term used by influencers to suggest low iron stores. Experts advise that while these signs can be a warning, other factors must be considered.

To gauge the body's iron reserves, a blood test measures ferritin levels. Ferritin is the protein that stores iron, primarily in the liver, and manages its release. Although blood tests offer a snapshot, experts caution that these levels are not always a definitive guide.

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence state that blood ferritin levels below 30 micrograms/L signal an iron deficiency. However, Sue Pavord, a professor of practice in medical haematology at Oxford University hospitals, noted that "a level below 50 might be a pointer of iron deficiency."

Pavord explained that iron is vital for every cell, stating, “if you are iron deficient, you will be very fatigued, have brain fog, your skin will look dull and saggy, you’ll look pale and tired.” Though one cannot diagnose deficiency from appearance, she admitted, “it might be a suggestion that there is iron deficiency.”

Prof Toby Richards of the University of East London and the Iron Clinic added that these changes are more noticeable in individuals with severely depleted iron. Pavord mentioned that menstruation and pregnancy are common causes, but insufficient dietary intake or poor absorption, such as with coeliac disease, are also possibilities.

Low ferritin can also stem from blood loss related to gastrointestinal issues like gastritis or polyps. Pavord further noted, “We also sometimes see it in athletes because of the high demand for iron on their bodies.”

Richards advised those at high risk—including women with heavy periods, pregnant individuals, or vegetarians/vegans—to seek a blood test. This test should encompass a full blood count, ferritin level check, and checks for B12 and folate. He emphasized, “This is a proper disease, and to put it into perspective, it’s the leading cause of disability in women of reproductive ability.”

Dr Asiya Maula, a GP from The Health Suite, offered a note of caution regarding social media trends. She warned, “The risk with social media trends is that people may see themselves in a list of symptoms and assume they have a deficiency without checking whether that is actually the cause.”