Ferritin and collagen — why check your iron first

What ferritin is and why it runs low

Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in your liver, spleen and bone marrow. Think of it as your body's “savings account” — even when blood iron (haemoglobin) still looks normal, low ferritin means your reserves are being drained.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world and affects roughly 30% of women of reproductive age. Symptoms are often blamed on “stress” or “age”: chronic fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, pallor, breathlessness on exertion, brain fog.

These symptoms should not be "treated" with supplements on your own — find the cause first.

How ferritin links to collagen and hair

The body makes its own collagen — from amino acids supplied by dietary protein. The process needs, among other things, oxygen, vitamin C and iron: enzymes called prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases use ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) as their catalytic core. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation.

That is why, with symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss or brittle nails, it is worth checking ferritin first — rather than reaching for yet another supplement.

The second link: ferritin sustains the hair follicle growth cycle. With ferritin below 30 ng/mL, follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) prematurely — and 2–3 months later you see hair shedding across the whole scalp.

How to check ferritin at home

Traditionally ferritin is measured in a laboratory from venous blood. That takes time, costs 30–60 PLN and requires a clinic visit.

The iLabU ferritin test (model OFE-402H) lets you do it at home: prick a finger, collect a drop of blood, get a semi-quantitative result (normal / deficient) in 5 minutes. Sensitivity 91.3%, specificity 96.2%. CE0123 marking (TÜV SÜD).

The best moment to test: when you have symptoms of fatigue or hair loss. Always discuss a screening result with a doctor.

Your 4-step plan (test → diet → protein → re-check)

Step 1 — TEST. Run the home ferritin test. Result deficient? Move to step 2. Step 2 — DIET + SUPPLEMENT. Add red meat, liver, lentils, spinach daily. Pair with vitamin C (bell pepper, citrus). For deep deficiency, ask a doctor about an iron supplement (ferrous sulphate, gluconate, or chelated forms). Step 3 — PROTEIN. Make sure your diet contains enough protein. You can complement it with a food supplement such as collagen peptides (20 g a day) — a supplement does not replace a varied diet. Step 4 — RE-CHECK. After three months repeat the ferritin test and discuss the result with a doctor.

This is the iLabU philosophy in practice: data first, the right action next.

Related product

• Ferritin (Iron Deficiency) Test 20.00 PLN

Frequently asked questions

What is a healthy ferritin level?

Reference ranges are 30–400 ng/mL in women and 30–500 ng/mL in men. Values <30 ng/mL indicate deficiency, and 30–50 ng/mL is the borderline zone. Experts recommend keeping ferritin above 50 ng/mL for women of reproductive age.

What should I eat for low ferritin?

Red meat, liver, egg yolk, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, pumpkin seeds and cocoa. Combine plant sources with vitamin C (bell pepper, citrus) — it can quadruple iron absorption. Avoid coffee or tea right after an iron-rich meal.

Does iron deficiency really affect hair and collagen?

Yes. Without enough iron the body cannot activate proline hydroxylase — the key enzyme for stable collagen synthesis. Low ferritin is one of the most commonly missed causes of hair loss in women.