What stomach conditions cause low ferritin?
Emily Schmidt
Updated on April 27, 2026
Malabsorption
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Celiac disease.
- Gastric bypass surgery.
- H. pylori.
- Autoimmune gastritis.
- Blood loss.
Can stomach problems cause low iron?
Malabsorption is a common cause of iron deficiency in those with digestive diseases. Low dietary iron intake, increased iron loss through bleeding, genetic conditions, or increased demand for iron by the body are other common causes.What diseases cause low ferritin?
Causes of low ferritin levelsA lower-than-normal ferritin level can indicate that you have an iron deficiency, which can happen when you don't consume enough iron in your daily diet. Another condition that affects iron levels is anemia, which is when you don't have enough red blood cells for iron to attach to.
What causes chronically low ferritin?
Slow, chronic blood loss within the body — such as from a peptic ulcer, a hiatal hernia, a colon polyp or colorectal cancer — can cause iron deficiency anemia. Gastrointestinal bleeding can result from regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin. A lack of iron in your diet.Can IBS cause low ferritin levels?
A 2014 study found that about half of those with the condition may have a mild iron deficiency, suggesting a link between IBS and anemia. People with IBS may develop anemia if they are unable to absorb enough iron from their food.10 SIGNS OF IRON DEFICIENCY NOT TO MISS // DERMATOLOGIST @Dr Dray
Why is my body not absorbing iron?
Your body can't absorb iron.Conditions like celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease can make it harder for your intestines to absorb iron. Surgery such as gastric bypass that removes part of your intestines, and medicines used to lower stomach acid can also affect your body's ability to absorb iron.