Low Iron, but normal Ferritin?

[Keralin]

I had some labs done before Christmas that showed I was slightly anemic, then I had another set drawn after for ferritin and iron levels to determine the cause of anemia, as well as a repeat cbc.

The second CBC came back fine, no anemia (still at bare minimum, but normal), yet MCV is elevated. Iron and iron saturation is low, but ferritin is normal. Does this seem strange to anyone other than me? For some reason, I thought that in order for iron deficiency to happen, ferritin stores are the first thing to be depleted.

Since my doctors believe in giving me the minimum amount of info, I'm hoping someone here has insight on this, whether it be through a similar experience or by being a lab junkie supergenius .

 

[littlemissh]

Ferritin is what is called an acute phase protein, which means it can go up with any inflammation and show high levels in the blood stream when in reality your iron stores are low. This is why your other iron checks are done as they are not raised with an inflammatory process.

It is interesting your MCV is up though. Generally in iron deficiency your MCV is reduced…however raised MCV could be for other reasons e.g. azathioprine, folate deficiency, B12 deficiency, alcohol. So if you have any of these factors then your MCV can be raised despite being iron deficient.
Its good news that your Hb is normal though, but you probably need to discuss with someone about getting iron supplementation to improve your iron stores.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[Keralin]

It does, thank you!