According to a report by Metro (UK) on September 4, 2026, a new health trend circulating online claims that people can identify low iron levels simply by looking at their face. The trend, often referred to as “ferritin face”, has attracted attention on social media, although it is important to note that it is not a recognised medical condition and cannot be used on its own to diagnose iron deficiency.
Ferritin is a protein responsible for helping the body store and release iron. When ferritin levels are low, it can indicate that the body's iron reserves are running low.
Some people with low iron may develop a paler or washed-out complexion, more noticeable dark circles, dry or dull-looking skin and cracked lips. Pale skin can occur with iron-deficiency anaemia because there is less haemoglobin available to give blood its normal colour.
However, these changes in appearance are not necessarily caused by low iron. Dehydration, hormonal changes and the natural ageing process can also affect the appearance of the skin.
One of the most common signs associated with iron deficiency is persistent tiredness. While everyone can feel exhausted after a busy period, iron deficiency may cause fatigue severe enough to interfere with ordinary daily activities.
Iron is necessary for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are insufficient, people may experience ongoing tiredness, reduced energy and difficulty concentrating.
Nutritional biochemist and nutritionist Jamie Christie explained that many symptoms of low iron can be difficult to recognise because they often develop gradually. Someone may simply notice that normal activities are becoming more tiring or that concentration is becoming harder without realising that their diet or iron levels could be involved.
However, fatigue can also result from several other medical conditions, including other forms of anaemia, an underactive thyroid and chronic kidney disease. Sleep apnoea can also produce similar symptoms.
Shortness of breath and heart palpitations are other possible signs of iron deficiency. When the blood does not carry enough oxygen, the body may attempt to compensate by making a person breathe faster and causing the heart to beat more rapidly.
Despite this, unexplained breathlessness or persistent heart palpitations should not automatically be blamed on low iron. Because these symptoms can have many possible causes, they should be discussed with a medical professional.
Iron requirements vary according to age and sex. In the UK, the NHS recommends 8.7mg of iron daily for men aged 19 and over and women aged 50 and above, while women aged 19 to 49 are advised to consume 14.8mg each day.
Women who experience heavy menstrual periods can lose more iron and may be at greater risk of deficiency. However, many people can obtain sufficient iron through their diet.
Foods containing iron include red meat, beans and other pulses, nuts and dried fruits. Green vegetables can also provide iron, and consuming them alongside foods rich in vitamin C can help the body absorb more of the mineral.
Tea and coffee, as well as some dairy products and foods containing high levels of phytic acid, can interfere with iron absorption, so consuming them in moderation may be helpful when trying to maximise iron absorption.
Headaches are another possible symptom of iron-deficiency anaemia. The NHS recognises headaches as a common symptom, while some research has explored a possible connection between iron and the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain associated with migraines.
Nevertheless, headaches are extremely common and do not automatically indicate an iron problem. If frequent headaches occur alongside tiredness, breathlessness or other symptoms associated with iron deficiency, speaking to a doctor about testing may be appropriate.
Hair thinning or increased hair shedding can also occur when iron levels are low. When there is insufficient iron, less oxygen may reach the hair roots, potentially affecting healthy hair growth.
However, hair loss has many possible causes, including stress, hormonal changes, thyroid disorders and other nutritional deficiencies. Severe or persistent hair loss, particularly when it lasts for more than six months, causes bald patches or occurs alongside extreme fatigue or unexplained weight changes, should be assessed by a doctor.
Problems affecting the mouth and tongue may also sometimes be linked to low iron. These can include sores or cracks at the corners of the mouth, a condition known as angular cheilitis.
Other less common symptoms listed by the NHS include changes in taste, difficulty swallowing and glossitis, in which the tongue can become sore, red or unusually smooth and glossy.
Spoon-shaped nails, medically known as koilonychia, are another possible sign. This occurs when the nails become unusually flat or develop a concave shape, with the edges appearing to curve upwards.
Spoon-shaped nails can be associated with iron-deficiency anaemia, particularly when they occur alongside symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath. There are other possible causes, but treating the underlying problem can allow the nails to return to their normal appearance.
Itchy skin, medically called pruritus, is also listed as a less common symptom of iron-deficiency anaemia. Reduced moisture retention and changes to the skin barrier may contribute to the problem.
However, itchy skin can be caused by numerous conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. When itching is related to low iron, it may be more widespread and occur without a prominent rash, while other signs such as pale skin and fatigue may also be present.
Tinnitus, which can involve ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or roaring sounds in the ears, is another potential indicator of low iron stores.
There are many possible causes of tinnitus, and experiencing it does not prove that someone has an iron deficiency. However, research involving almost 89,000 women with iron-deficiency anaemia found an association between the condition and newly developed tinnitus. More research is still needed to understand the relationship.
Anyone who notices persistent or troublesome tinnitus should seek medical advice rather than assuming that low iron is responsible.
If several of these symptoms sound familiar, it is important not to start taking large doses of iron supplements without medical advice. A doctor can discuss your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history and may recommend blood tests to determine whether your iron levels are low.
A full blood count can help identify anaemia, while a ferritin test can provide information about the body's iron stores.
It is also important to identify why iron levels are low rather than simply replacing the missing iron. Heavy menstrual bleeding and pregnancy are common causes, but iron deficiency can also result from blood loss in the stomach or bowel.
Doctors may recommend additional investigations to identify the underlying cause. These can include tests designed to detect hidden blood in stool samples.
Although iron supplements can be useful when a deficiency has been confirmed, taking more iron than necessary can cause problems. Excessive amounts may result in constipation, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, while very high doses can be dangerous.
Anyone concerned about possible iron deficiency should therefore seek advice from a qualified medical professional rather than relying solely on appearance or social media trends.
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