A new viral trend on social media, ferritin face, has put the spotlight on iron deficiency. The trend started on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, when users started associating their pale or grey-looking skin, dark circles under the eyes, hair shedding, brittle nails and dry lips with low ferritin levels. However, medical experts cautioned that changes in appearance cannot reliably establish whether someone has an iron deficiency. Experts also warn that using these signs to diagnose a deficiency or starting iron supplements without medical advice could be harmful.
