Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inRebecca WhittakerTuesday 27 October 2026 15:08 GMTNo specific facial appearance indicates low ferritin (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Doctors have warned that physical features such as dark circles and pale skin, dubbed ‘ferritin face’ on TikTok, are not sufficient to diagnose low iron levels.Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite, clarified that no specific facial appearance indicates low ferritin, as dark under-eye circles and dull skin can stem from stress, ageing, or dehydration.Medical experts stress that a blood test is the only reliable method to measure ferritin, a key protein that stores iron required for oxygen transport and energy.High-risk groups for iron deficiency include pregnant women, vegans, individuals with heavy periods, and those with inflammatory bowel disease.Legitimate warning signs of an iron deficiency include persistent tiredness, breathlessness, unusual hair shedding, brittle nails, and non-food cravings such as ice.In fullHow ‘ferritin face’ could be a sign of low iron levelsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in