Assessment of Anemia Symptoms in People with Normal Hemoglobin and Low Ferritin

Year 2026, Volume: 18 Issue: 1, 49 - 55, 24.03.2026

Hatice Şifayi , İbrahim Solak

https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1788824

https://izlik.org/JA42LW34PD

Abstract

Aim: Anemia symptoms are common problems in humans. This study aimed to research symptoms of anemia in participants observed to have low ferritin without anemia.
Material and Methods: This study was performed in the Konya Beyhekim Health Application and Research Center Internal Medicine and Family Medicine clinics from 01.12.2022 to 01.07.2023. Participants accepting participation were met face-to-face and symptoms were explained clearly. Participants completed a 13-question survey, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and a form including sociodemographic information. Among participants in the study, those with normal hemoglobin (HGB) and low ferritin levels were placed in Group 1, while those with normal HGB and ferritin levels were included in Group 2. 
Results: The mean age of participants in our study was 30.3±9.5 years. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of sex (p<0.001), smoking (p=0.025), age (p=0.044), height (p<0.001), weight (p<0.001) and body mass index (BMI, p=0.007). Among the study groups, the group with normal HBG and low ferritin had significantly high restless leg syndrome (p=0.012), dizziness (p=0.001), shortness of breath symptoms (p=0.006), FSS scores (p=0.039) and presence of fatigue according to FSS (p=0.029). Between the study groups, there were no significant differences for pica (p=0.142), itching (p=0.295), hair loss (p=0.106), palpitations (p=0.064), tinnitus (p=0.680), and angular cheilitis (p=0.482) symptoms. 
Conclusion: In this study, restless leg syndrome, dizziness, shortness of breath, FSS scores and fatigue according to FSS were observed significantly more in the group with normal hemoglobin and low ferritin compared to the other group.

Keywords

Iron deficiency without anemia , anemia symptoms , ferritin

Ethical Statement

This study was cross-sectional research. Permission for the study was obtained from KTO Karatay Faculty of Medicine Non-Drug and Medical Device Research Ethics Committee on 23.11.2022 with decision number 2022/023. Participants who accepted participation in the study signed an informed consent form in accordance with the World Medical Association Helsinki Declaration.

Supporting Institution

This research received no external funding.

Thanks

The authors do not wish to acknowledge any individual or institution. This study was presented as an oral presentation at the 23rd International Eastern Mediterranean Family Medicine Congress, held in Adana, Türkiye, on May 9-12, 2024.

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