Can your face reveal if you have low iron? - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

You might’ve seen lots of chat online about ‘ferritin face’ alongside zoomed in before and after pics of people’s faces. Some claim that changes in their appearance, like pale skin and hair loss, are down to having low ferritin levels. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM But what even is ferritin? It’s the protein responsible for storing iron in the body. Iron is important for creating red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. It’s needed for things like your energy levels, skin and hair health. So, can you tell if your ferritin levels are low just by your face? We break it down with the BBC’s Zara Salaria and Dr Aziza Sesay, who specialises in female health. 00:00 Intro 00:20 What is "ferritin face"? 00:59 What is ferritin and how is it different to iron? 01:27 Low ferritin vs. anaemia 02:07 What causes low ferritin? 02:28 How common is iron deficiency? 02:50 Can you tell from your face? 03:32 Darker skin tones: Dr Sesay 04:25 Amanjit's experience 05:39 Symptoms beyond the face 06:05 How to find out 06:28 Why has it become a trend? 06:50 High ferritin and haemochromatosis 07:13 Genetics and ethnic groups 07:28 Social media: positives and cautions 09:07 Advice if you're worried Watch more episodes from What in the World here 👉🏽    • What in the World   Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Video Producers: Mollie Perella and Baldeep Chahal Producers: Mollie Perella and Zara Salaria Editor: Verity Wilde ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Twitter 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Facebook 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #ferritin #iron #anemia