Dark under-eye circles, also known as “ferritin face,” may be more than just a cosmetic concern. According to doctors, they can sometimes signal low iron stores in the body.

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside the body’s cells and releases it when needed. When ferritin levels drop, the body struggles to produce hemoglobin, which is the iron-rich protein within red blood cells that transports oxygen to the tissues.

Low iron levels can compromise skin elasticity, making the tissue appear thinner and less resilient. This can cause the skin to lose its healthy color and appear pale, making the naturally darker tissue beneath the eyes more noticeable.

Symptoms of Low Iron Levels

Besides pale skin and dark under-eye circles, other symptoms may signal that someone is lacking iron. These include low energy, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fainting, brittle or thin nails, hair loss, cravings to chew ice, and restless legs syndrome.

Some patients may also experience decreased exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating, or shortness of breath with exertion. Other symptoms can include pounding or “whooshing” in the ears, a sore or smooth tongue, rapid heartbeat, intolerance to cold, and poor sleep.

Causes and Treatment

Ferritin face may signal an underlying medical condition, including chronic bleeding, gastrointestinal disorders or cancers, or malabsorption. With the rise in bariatric surgery, more patients are developing iron deficiency due to impaired iron absorption.

Treating iron deficiency is important, but identifying and addressing its underlying cause is equally critical. A simple blood test by a healthcare professional can determine iron levels. Further evaluation may include stool and urine tests to look for blood, along with endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach, and colon.

Treatment for iron deficiency may include oral supplementation and, in cases of severe anemia, intravenous (IV) iron or blood transfusions. Following a diet that includes iron-rich foods, such as beef, pork, or lamb, can also help.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.