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\n\t\tLow ferritin can cause your skin to look paler or dark circles to appear more pronounced (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tLow ferritin can cause your skin to look paler or dark circles to appear more pronounced (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
You may have heard of \u2018cortisol face<\/a>\u2019 and \u2018Ozempic<\/a> face\u2019. Now though, it\u2019s all about \u2018ferritin face\u2019.<\/p>\n The latest health<\/a> trend doing the rounds online claims you can spot low iron levels simply by looking in the mirror.<\/p>\n But while there is some truth behind the trend, it\u2019s not quite as simple as TikTok would have you believe.<\/p>\n Because although \u2018ferritin face\u2019 isn\u2019t a recognised medical condition<\/a>, and you can\u2019t diagnose an iron deficiency based on their appearance alone, low iron can cause visible changes to the skin, hair and nails.<\/p>\n Iron deficiency also shows up in a number of additional ways \u2014 and since it can sometimes be a warning sign of more serious underlying health issues, it\u2019s worth getting checked out sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n These are the nine key signs should you look out for.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLook beyond the headlines\t\t\t<\/p>\n Get a curated list of the most important stories of the weekend every Sunday from our weekend editor Jess Austin.<\/p>\n Look beyond the headlines with exclusive articles, emotive interviews and must-read explainers from our expert team of reporters across news, lifestyle and entertainment.<\/p>\n Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018Ferritin face\u2019<\/p>\n Ferritin is a protein that helps your body create, store and release iron, so a low ferritin level can indicate that your iron is running low too. <\/p>\n Although \u2018ferritin face\u2019 is very much a social media<\/a> term rather than a clinical diagnosis, it describes a look commonly found in patients with a reduced biological reserve, such as a pale or washed out complexion, dark circles, dry or dull-looking skin, and cracked lips. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Pale skin in particular can be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia, with the British Dietetic Association explaining it\u2019s because there\u2019s less haemoglobin available to give blood its usual colour.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n However, even though some of these changes may occur as a result of low iron, they can also have plenty of other explanations, from dehydration to hormones \u2014 or even just plain old ageing.<\/p>\n Fatigue<\/p>\n Needing a lie-in after a busy week is one thing, but being so exhausted you struggle with everyday tasks is quite another.<\/p>\n Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body, meaning deficiency can leave you feeling persistently tired and lacking in energy.<\/p>\n \u2018Many of the symptoms associated with low iron levels can be easy to overlook because they often develop gradually,\u2019 says Jamie Christie, nutritional biochemist and nutritionist at Just Vitamins.<\/p>\n \u2018People may notice they\u2019re struggling to concentrate, feeling more tired than usual or finding everyday tasks more draining, but they don\u2019t always connect those changes back to their nutrition.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Fatigue isn\u2019t specific to iron deficiency though, with Kathryn Basford, GP at Asda Online Doctor<\/a>, explaining that a number of other things can \u2018mimic\u2019 it in this respect.<\/p>\n \u2018The most common are alternative forms of anaemia, or conditions like hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease, as these impair red blood cell production,\u2019 she tells Metro. \u2018Sleep apnoea can also cause similar symptoms.\u2019<\/p>\n Shortness of breath or heart palpitations<\/p>\n Dr Basford also highlights shortness of breath and heart palpitations among the signs of low iron \u2014 and once again, it\u2019s all to do with how the nutrient interacts with haemoglobin.<\/p>\n The Iron Clinic website explains: \u2018If you are iron deficient, your blood may not contain enough oxygen for your muscles to do everyday activities such as walking.<\/p>\n \u2018Your body tries to make up for this by increasing your breathing rate to get more oxygen into your body, and by increasing your heart rate to help move the oxygen around your body.\u2019<\/p>\n Still, if you\u2019re experiencing unexplained breathlessness or persistent palpitations, don\u2019t assume it\u2019s solely because you need more iron \u2014 these symptoms can have other causes, and are worth discussing with a GP.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tHow much iron do you need?\t\t\t<\/p>\n In the UK, the NHS recommends 8.7mg of iron a day for men aged 19 and over and women aged 50 and over, while women aged 19 to 49 need 14.8mg a day.<\/p>\n \u2018Women with heavy periods<\/a> are likely to lose even more iron and may benefit from iron supplements, but most people can get enough iron from the foods they eat,\u2019 says Dr Basford.<\/p>\n Good dietary sources include red meat, pulses (like beans and chickpeas), nuts, and dried fruits.<\/p>\n \u2018Many green vegetables also contain lots of iron, but it\u2019s best to eat them with vitamin C-rich foods to improve how much iron your body can absorb,\u2019 adds Dr Basford.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s also a good idea to drink less tea and coffee, and eat less dairy and foods with high levels of phytic acid, like wholegrain cereals, as these can make it harder for your body to digest iron.\u2019<\/p>\n Headaches<\/p>\n Headaches are listed by the NHS as a common symptom of iron deficiency anaemia, with some studies suggesting the link is down to iron\u2019s role in the production of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to migraines.<\/p>\n Again, headaches far from unique to iron deficiency, so having one doesn\u2019t mean your iron levels are necessarily to blame.<\/p>\n But if they\u2019re happening alongside fatigue, breathlessness or other symptoms on this list, it may be worth speaking to your GP about a blood test.<\/p>\n Hair loss or thinning<\/p>\n Finding more hair than usual in your brush or shower drain can be alarming \u2014 and iron deficiency is one possible explanation.<\/p>\n Ayesha Bashir, prescribing pharmacist and hair loss expert at Chemist4U, says: \u2018Low iron can mean there\u2019s less oxygen reaching your hair roots, making it harder for them to grow strong, healthy strands.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Alongside iron deficiency, thinning or shedding hair can have many causes, including hormonal changes, stress, thyroid problems and other nutritional deficiencies<\/a>.<\/p>\n As such it\u2019s recommended you seek medical advice if hair loss is severe, lasts for more than six months, involves bald patches or is accompanied by symptoms such as extreme tiredness or unexplained weight changes.<\/p>\n Mouth and tongue issues<\/p>\n According to Dr Basford, low iron can in some cases show up as \u2018ulcers in the corners of your mouth\u2019, known as angular cheilitis.<\/p>\n The NHS also lists changes in the way food tastes and difficulty swallowing among less common symptoms, as well as glossitis, where your tongue may feel sore or look red and glossy.<\/p>\n Once again however, these can signal a range of different things \u2014 but if issues with your mouth or tongue are persistent or combined with other health changes, it\u2019s time to speak to your GP.<\/p>\n Spoon-shaped nails<\/p>\n Koilonychia is the medical term for spoon-shaped nails<\/a>; when the nail develops a flat or concave appearance, as if it\u2019s bending upwards from the edges.<\/p>\n Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and medical adviser for Prescription Doctor, previously told Metro this \u2018can be associated with iron deficiency anaemia,\u2019 so is \u2018something [doctors] would consider alongside symptoms such as fatigue or breathlessness.\u2019<\/p>\n There are other potential causes, but once the underlying issue is dealt with, the nail usually corrects itself, which is why it\u2019s important to get checked out.<\/p>\n Itchiness<\/p>\n The NHS lists itchy skin, or pruritus, among the less common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, due to reduced moisture retention and barrier function.<\/p>\n There are, of course, countless other causes of itchy skin, so don\u2019t rule out the likes of psoriasis or eczema straight away.<\/p>\n But whereas these skin conditions typically present with localised, visible changes such as red, inflamed patches, scaly plaques, or distinct bumps, itchiness resulting from low iron will be more generalised, without a primary rash, and accompanied by additional signs like fatigue and pale skin.<\/p>\n Tinnitus<\/p>\n As Dr Basford highlights, tinnitus is an often-overlooked potential indicator your iron stores aren\u2019t where they should be.<\/p>\n Although there are many reasons why you may experience a ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or roaring sound in your ears, a 2025 cohort study involving almost 89,000 women with iron deficiency anaemia found an association between the condition and new-onset tinnitus.<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t mean tinnitus is proof that your iron levels are low, and more research is needed to understand the relationship. But given tinnitus can have many different causes, persistent or troublesome symptoms should be assessed further.<\/p>\n This article was originally published in September 2026 and has since been updated.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWhat to do if you think you’re iron deficient\t\t\t<\/p>\n If several of these symptoms sound familiar, don\u2019t simply start taking high-dose iron supplements and hope for the best.<\/p>\n \u2018Speak to your GP if you think you have low iron levels,\u2019 says Dr Basford. \u2018They will ask you about your lifestyle and medical history, and will likely perform a blood test to diagnose low ferritin.\u2019<\/p>\n A full blood count can check whether you have anaemia, while ferritin testing can help assess your body\u2019s iron stores.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to work out why you\u2019re low in iron rather than simply replacing it. Heavy periods and pregnancy are common causes, but it could also be down to blood loss from the stomach or bowel.<\/p>\n \u2018A doctor may issue further tests to uncover the reason for your symptoms, like a faecal immunochemical test that looks for blood in a small sample of your poo,\u2019 Dr Basford adds.<\/p>\n She also warns that while iron supplements can help at times, more certainly isn\u2019t always better. In fact, taking excessive amounts can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain \u2014 and very high doses can be dangerous. <\/p>\n If in doubt, always consult a medical professional.<\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/GettyImages-1448026219-3f1a.jpg\")
\n\t\tListen to your body (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/GettyImages-1464349248-1-23ad.jpg\")
\n\t\tSee a GP if thinning or shedding is severe or persistent (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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