Can you really diagnose low iron from your looks?
This article is a duplicate of the previous report regarding the 'ferritin face' social media trend. It reiterates that physical symptoms are not a substitute for clinical diagnosis of iron deficiency.
Why it matters
Reinforces the importance of medical consultation over social media health advice.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Zara Salaria BBC Lucy says she noticed changes in her skin and hair (left photo) alongside symptoms including fatigue and hair loss when her ferritin levels were low. Lighting and shadows also play a part "Do you have ferritin face?" a young woman asks on TikTok, pointing to dark circles, washed-out skin and brittle hair, alongside before-and-after style photographs. The content creator puts these features down to her iron levels.
It is one of a growing number of videos and posts on TikTok and Instagram claiming that low ferritin - a protein which stores iron in the body - can leave visible clues on your face.
Users list pale or grey-looking skin, dark under-eye circles, dry or cracked lips, hair shedding and weak nails, while others share portraits claiming stark visual differences.
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