Low Ferritin levels!

Living With Hep B Treatment and Monitoring
1

Hi,
Is having low ferritin levels throughout the journey with Hep B for more than a decade, a cause for concern to begin with? Thank you.

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Hi @knowing,
People with advanced liver disease have been shown to have low ferritin levels according to some studies. I don’t know much about your condition. Ferritin is a protein that helps our cells absorb iron. If yours have been low, that could mean you have low iron levels as well. Iron is important for the heart and other functions of the body. Maybe trying an iron rich diet or supplement could help here. Best, Bansah1

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Thanks for the reply, Bansah1.
Ever since I started treatment, my Blood work, Ultrasound and Fibroscan readings have been normal. But the low ferritin levels persists until today, 11 years and counting. My doctor suggested getting colonoscopy and endoscopy done, but due to the risks involved,
I declined. I have tried iron-rich foods & supplements to no avail - didn’t work! I don’t know what else I can do as fatigue has been my main issue with Hep B! Thank you.

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I’ve been having the same problem. My iron levels and ferritin are very low, sometimes below normal… I’m constantly taking supplements and even changed the diet significantly- still no change… for fa ew years. It’s actually worsened by corona virus … my hair thinned and shedding… really frustrating. I’ve read that iron stored in liver, maybe there is a connection…

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Hi @knowing,
I am sorry to hear about that. I don’t consider colonoscopy and endoscopy as risky procedures. They are just using a scope with a camera at the end through your gut to see what is going on. The preparation is a pain but the procedure is straight forward and pretty simple stuff. I understand some people do not like tubes down their throats or the other end, but those procedures are still efficient and safe. Do you have sickle cell disease? Something your doctor can look into I also have bad fatigue, but I don’t have low ferritin levels. For 11 years, I think something else is going on and might not be related to HBV. I hope you find something that works for you soon. Best, Bansah1

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Hello @knowing

I wouldn’t be concerned about a colonoscopies and a endoscope. I’ve had three colonoscopies and one and ine endoscope. You don’t remember it you do remember the stuff that you have to take to empty your bowels but that’s what you need to do so the doctor can clearly see.
That’s horrible having low iron for 11 years. I had low iron for a few months and it was horrible, he fatigue was ongoing and I couldn’t do anything. Definitely think you need to do something to find out what is going on and make your life better.

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@Caraline
Yes, it’s challenging fighting fatigue when you have low iron levels. I remember reading somewhere a couple of years ago that heppers can have this issue and that is just the way it is! Everyone else around me is so active and running about and I am slow in everything I do, be it chores, walk, climbing up stairs etc. :tired_face:

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@knowing hopefully
I’ve inspired you to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy. :face_holding_back_tears::grimacing: so you can be running around like the rest of us.:blush:

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Hello everyone,

I have read in several places, and some of them with good reputation, that Lactoferrin helps maintain balanced levels of iron in blood, and that it is also a powerful antiviral…

Could Lactoferrin help us with our problem?

Can someone expert tell us if it is true, and its benefits?

Thank you

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My understanding is that lactoferrin is used in certain circumstances where iron levels are low, but its effect as an anti-HBV agent has not been shown in people.

Thomas

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