Can you really tell low iron from your face?

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Videos claiming you can spot low iron levels from facial features have gone viral on social media, but doctors say appearance alone cannot diagnose iron deficiency.

Videos on TikTok and Instagram have attracted millions of views claiming that you can identify low ferritin levels by looking at facial features. The posts typically list pale or grey-looking skin, dark under-eye circles, dry lips, hair shedding and weak nails as signs of iron deficiency.

GP Dr Aziza Sesay said that while 'ferritin face' is not a medical diagnosis, it may indicate that something is happening with a person's health. Low iron can sometimes cause visible changes to skin, hair and nails. Iron deficiency occurs when the body's iron stores become depleted, and symptoms can appear without the person being anaemic—the condition where low haemoglobin means blood cannot carry enough oxygen.

However, doctors stress that appearance alone cannot diagnose iron deficiency. The same visible changes can be caused by other conditions, dehydration, hormones or simply ageing. Anyone concerned about iron levels should get checked out by a medical professional rather than relying on appearance.

How it is being reported

• Do you have ‘ferritin face’? 9 warning signs you’re low on ironLow ferritin can cause your skin to look paler or dark circles to appear more pronounced (Picture: Getty Images) You may have heard of ‘ cortisol face ’ and ‘ Ozempic face’. Now though, it’s all about ‘ferritin face’. The latest health trend doing the rounds online claims you can spot low iron…Metro · 26 Oct, 16:13
• Is 'ferritin face' a real thing - and can you really spot low iron from looks?Videos in which people claim to spot the signs of low iron have attracted millions of views online.BBC News · 26 Oct, 01:43

In this story: BBC News · TikTok · Instagram · Dr Aziza Sesay · Dr Drew Provan · West Midlands · British Dietetic Association

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