Children are born with ferritin in their bodies, and it is essential to replenish this store during their rapid growth and development stages to prevent deficiencies and associated symptoms. The following are the symptoms of ferritin deficiency: (1)

1. Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling extreme fatigue without apparent reasons is one of the prominent signs of ferritin deficiency in children. This fatigue can be due to the weakening of the body’s ability to produce an essential protein called hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to all cells. 

When hemoglobin levels are deficient, oxygen does not adequately reach the body’s cells, resulting in a lack of energy. This causes fatigue, sometimes accompanied by weakness and difficulty concentrating. (2)(3)

2. Pale Skin

Pale skin with a slightly yellowish tint is another sign associated with ferritin deficiency. This is also linked to decreased hemoglobin levels, where hemoglobin gives blood its red color. Therefore, a reduction in its levels results in less blood reddening.

A study conducted on children aged 6 – 11 years to determine where pale skin appears found that it can occur throughout the body or be limited to specific areas such as: (2)(3)

• The face.
• Gums.
• Inside the lips.
• Inside the lower eyelids.
• Nails.

 It is worth mentioning that pale skin occurs with moderate to severe ferritin deficiency. (2)(3)

3. Shortness of Breath

Cells with a ferritin deficiency don’t receive an adequate supply of oxygen, leading to an increased respiratory rate in an attempt to obtain more oxygen. As a result, shortness of breath occurs, a common symptom of ferritin deficiency in children. (2)(4)

4. Irregular Heartbeat

Decreased hemoglobin and ferritin also affect the heart. The heart has to work harder to pump larger amounts of blood and transport oxygen to all body tissues. Consequently, children with ferritin deficiency may experience irregular heartbeats or abnormal heart rhythms. (2)(4)

5. Mouth Pain and Swelling

Ferritin deficiency can cause symptoms that affect the inside and outside of the mouth. These symptoms include: (2)(4)

• Swollen. 
• Inflamed, or pale tongue.
• Dry mouth.
• Painful red cracks at the corners of the mouth.
• Mouth sores.

6. Pica

Ferritin deficiency is associated with a condition known as pica, which is characterized by a craving for unusual foods or even non-food substances such as ice, dirt, chalk, and paper. (2)(5)

7. Other symptoms

symptoms also may be present in children with ferritin deficiency include:(1)(2)(4)

• Headache.
• Dry and irritated skin and hair.
• Restless leg syndrome.
• Brittle and cracked nails.
• Depression. 
• Cold hands and feet. 
• Frequent infections.
• Decreased appetite.
• Hair loss.
• Dizziness and fainting.