Question: I have hemochromatosis and have six phlebotomies a year and a ferritin level of 15, which I have been advised to keep low. Other iron levels are normal. Your article recommends getting ferritin up to 100. Do you disapprove of my low level?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

Hemochromatosis is a serious inherited disorder where the body stores excess amounts of iron. As the iron levels climb, the blood becomes sticky and more likely to clot. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Thankfully, there is a safe and effective treatment for hemochromatosis — therapeutic phlebotomies, where blood is drawn off the patient. The idea is to lower the iron level.

Iron overload is a fairly common condition. I screen every patient for it. Optimal ferritin levels are around 100 ng/ml. Those with iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis should keep their ferritin level below 100 ng/ml. However, a ferritin of 15 ng/ml is too low. You need iron to carry oxygen to your tissues.

I would follow your ferritin level and recommend trying to keep your level between 50 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml.