21/05/2026
So… my heart health is ok… but my ferritin came back at 35.
Now technically, that’s within the lab reference range (hence the green tick ✅)… but given my history of low iron, and some symptoms I’ve been noticing - including a bit of shortness of breath (SOB) and hair thinning - it’s something I want to take seriously.
Ferritin is essentially your stored iron, and while ranges vary, some clinicians working in hair health often like to see levels well above the lower end of normal (sometimes 70+) when hair shedding is a concern - although this isn’t a one-size-fits-all target.
So what am I doing?
✔️ I’ve started iron supplements (tablet, liquid and spray to help with tolerance)
✔️ I’ve spoken to my GP about doing more in-depth iron studies
✔️ I’m making sure I’m optimising my diet and absorption too
My top iron-boosting tips 👇
🥩 Include haem iron where you can
This is the type of iron found in animal foods and is generally absorbed more easily:
* Lean red meat
* Poultry
* Fish and seafood
🌱 Don’t forget non-haem iron too
Plant-based sources still count:
* Lentils, beans and chickpeas
* Tofu and tempeh
* Dark green leafy veg
* Nuts, seeds and fortified cereals
🍊 Pair iron with vitamin C
Vitamin C can help improve absorption of non-haem iron:
Think peppers, citrus, kiwi, berries, tomatoes or broccoli alongside meals.
🥛 Avoid taking iron with calcium
Calcium can reduce iron absorption, so try not to take iron supplements with:
* Milk or yoghurt
* Calcium supplements
* Calcium-fortified drinks
☕ Watch tea and coffee timing
Tea and coffee (especially around meals) can reduce iron absorption too - ideally leave a gap of an hour or two.
🍳 Cast iron cookware can help a little - Not a miracle fix, but every bit counts.
And importantly… don’t just supplement blindly - low ferritin can happen for lots of reasons, so it’s worth looking into why with a medical doctor.
Have you ever had blood results that looked “normal” on paper but didn’t feel optimal for you? Let me know below 👇
Blood test provided by (gift) DietitianTips I