09/29/2026
3. CALPROTECTIN
Next is f***l calprotectin.
Calprotectin isn’t a disease. It’s a stool marker that healthcare providers can use to look for intestinal inflammation.
When calprotectin is elevated, it may indicate active inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
And when the intestinal lining is inflamed or damaged, nutrient absorption can become compromised—including the absorption of iron.
So, sometimes the question isn’t:
“Do I need more iron?”
The question may be:
“Why is my intestinal tract inflamed?”
4. CELIAC DISEASE
Another important marker is tTG-IgA, which is commonly used as part of screening for celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten for individuals that are gluten sensitive.
Over time, it can damage the villi of the small intestine.
Think of villi as millions of tiny, finger-like projections that dramatically increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption.
When those structures become damaged, iron absorption can suffer.
In fact, unexplained iron deficiency can sometimes be one of the clues that leads healthcare providers to investigate celiac disease.
SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If your ferritin continues to remain low despite increasing your iron intake, don’t automatically assume the answer is simply more iron.
Work with your healthcare provider to investigate why your iron stores are low in the first place.
That may include looking at:
* Blood loss, including heavy menstrual bleeding
* H. pylori
* Celiac disease
* Gastrointestinal inflammation
* Conditions associated with malabsorption
* Dietary iron intake
* Medications or other factors affecting absorption
Continue eating appropriate iron-rich foods, including heme and non-heme sources, and pair plant-based iron with vitamin C-rich foods to help improve absorption.
And remember:
Taking iron is only the beginning.
Your body still has to digest it, convert it, absorb it, transport it, use it, recycle it, and store it.
So, when ferritin stays low, sometimes we have to stop asking:
“How much iron am I taking?”
And start asking:
“Why isn’t my body maintaining its iron stores?”
