Ferritin face: Can you really diagnose low iron from your looks?
Social media trends are promoting the idea that physical appearance, such as skin and hair changes, can diagnose iron deficiency, a concept dubbed 'ferritin face.' Medical experts clarify that while these symptoms can be related to low iron, they are not diagnostic and require professional medical testing.
Why it matters
The spread of unverified medical trends on social media can lead to self-diagnosis and the potential overlooking of other underlying health conditions.
Image caption, 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.
The phrase "ferritin face" has spread widely across social media, with videos attracting millions of views.
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