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What is ferritin?
Ferritin is the major iron storage protein of the body. Ferritin levels can be used to indirectly measure how much iron is in the body. Ferritin has the shape of a hollow sphere that permits the entry of a variable amount of iron for storage (as ferric hydroxide phosphate complexes). Ferritin is required for the regulation of free iron levels in circulation and within cells. It is present in most cells of the body, primarily in the liver, spleen, marrow, duodenum, skeletal muscle, and others. The primary function of ferritin is to store iron and release it in a controlled way. This is crucial because free iron is potentially harmful, as it can produce free radicals. Ferritin promotes iron homeostasis (balance) in the body. The amount of ferritin produced by the body is directly proportional to the amount of iron that is accessible, and higher iron levels lead to increased ferritin production. Because ferritin levels represent bodily iron storage, they are often assessed in blood tests to determine the iron levels in the body. Ferritin levels can be high or low, indicating iron overload or deficiency.
Is ferritin the same as iron? Ferritin is not the same as iron. Ferritin is a protein complex that stores and releases iron to maintain the body's iron levels. Iron, on the other hand, is a mineral essential for a variety of bodily functions, including the production of hemoglobin — the molecule in red blood cells that transports oxygen in the blood. Iron also plays a crucial role in other important physiological processes, such as energy production and DNA synthesis. Ferritin stores iron in a nontoxic form and releases it as needed, maintaining a steady supply of iron for metabolic demands. What does a ferritin level tell you? A ferritin level test is crucial for assessing the level of iron stored in your body. Low ferritin levelsLow ferritin levels often indicate iron deficiency, which can result from: Normal ferritin levels suggest sufficient iron stores for healthy function. High ferritin levelsHigh ferritin levels could be a sign of iron overload, especially in conditions such as hemochromatosis. A few factors that may lead to high ferritin levels include: Ferritin levels not only assess iron status but also help diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. It is often part of a broader diagnostic process, as ferritin can be influenced by many factors.
How does one prepare for a ferritin blood test? The ferritin test uses venous blood withdrawn during any routine blood test. No special preparation for the test is necessary. Fasting is not necessary. To prepare for a ferritin blood test, it's important to note the following: Following these simple steps can help ensure your ferritin blood test results are accurate and reflective of your true iron storage levels. How is the test performed? The ferritin test involves a simple blood draw, usually from a vein in the arm, after placing a tourniquet to make the veins more visible. A needle attached to a vacuum collection device is inserted into a vein, often a vein in the antecubital fossa (crease of the elbow), after the area has been cleaned. Venous blood can also be taken from other sites. After the needle is removed, a bandage is applied to the site. The collected blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to measure ferritin levels with specific antibodies. Results are typically available within a few days and are interpreted by your doctor considering your health and other tests. The test is quick and generally safe, with minimal risks such as slight bruising or discomfort at the injection site. Health News
What are normal results for a ferritin test? The results may vary slightly among laboratories, but in general, normal ferritin levels range from 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL) for males and 12 to 150 ng/mL for females. Normal ferritin test results vary depending on age and sex. Women tend to have lower ferritin levels than men due to regular iron loss from menstruation. It is important to note that normal ranges can differ for children and adolescents, and they are often lower than those for adults. Newborns generally have much higher ferritin levels, which gradually decrease as the child ages. High or low ferritin levels can indicate various health conditions, such as: Your healthcare provider will interpret your ferritin test results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests. If your ferritin levels are outside the normal range, further evaluation and tests might be necessary to determine the underlying cause. Normal ferritin levels by age Ferritin levels can vary widely by age and sex. As people age, there tends to be a slight increase in ferritin levels. Here are typical reference ranges for ferritin levels across different age groups: Table. Normal ferritin levels by age Age Ferritin levelsInfants and children Newborns 25 to 200 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) 1 month to 1 year 50 to 200 ng/mL 1 year to adolescence 7 to 140 ng/mL Adults Men (18 years and older) 20 to 250 ng/mL Women (18 to 39 years) 10 to 120 ng/mL Women (40 years and older) 12 to 263 ng/mL These values can vary based on the methods used by different labs. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider who can consider individual health status, symptoms, and other factors alongside laboratory results.
What does an elevated ferritin level mean? Higher-than-normal levels of ferritin can be indicative of an iron storage disorder such as hemochromatosis. Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited (genetic) disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body (iron overload). In individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis, the daily absorption of iron from the intestines is greater than the amount needed to replace losses. Since the normal body cannot increase iron excretion, the absorbed iron accumulates in the body. People with hereditary hemochromatosis may have no symptoms or signs (and have normal longevity), or they can have severe symptoms and signs of iron overload that include: The symptoms arise because iron accumulates in the organs and leads to destruction and loss of normal function. Other causes of a high ferritin level are chronic inflammatory medical conditions such as liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or some types of cancer. What happens if ferritin is very high? Very high ferritin levels can indicate several possible health issues, and they often necessitate further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Some of the conditions that might be associated with elevated ferritin levels: Subscribe to MedicineNet's Daily Health News Newsletter By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
What does a low ferritin level mean? What happens when ferritin is low? Lower-than-normal serum ferritin levels are seen in iron deficiency. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce sufficient levels of hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen. Iron deficiency anemia is the result. Mild anemia may not produce low ferritin symptoms at all. More serious cases of iron deficiency anemia can produce symptoms such as: Without treatment, low levels of iron can cause heart failure with symptoms including chest pain, leg pain, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus ). Low ferritin levels can have several implications: From
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How to improve ferritin levels To improve ferritin levels, focus on consuming a diet rich in both heme iron from animal sources such as red meat, poultry, and fish, and non-heme iron from plant sources such as lentils, beans, and leafy greens. Supplementing with vitamin C-rich foods can help increase iron absorption. Using cast iron cookware and avoiding substances that inhibit iron absorption such as phytates, polyphenols, and calcium can also be beneficial. It is crucial to address any underlying problems that interfere with iron absorption. Regular blood tests to check ferritin levels can aid in the effective adjustment of dietary intake and treatment strategies. How to reduce ferritin levels Treatments aimed at reducing high ferritin levels usually focus on the underlying causes of iron overload. Phlebotomy, or therapeutic blood removal, is a regularly used method for effectively reducing iron levels, particularly in conditions such as hemochromatosis. If you are unable to undergo phlebotomy, iron chelation therapy is done, which uses medicines that bind to excess iron. Some dietary changes may help, such as reducing the intake of iron-rich foods and vitamin C with meals, which may help reduce iron absorption. Managing conditions associated with high ferritin levels, such as liver disease or chronic inflammation, requires appropriate medical therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Regular monitoring of ferritin levels through blood tests is essential to adjust treatments and ensure effectiveness. What are the potential side effects of a ferritin blood test? The ferritin blood test is a routine blood test and typically does not cause side effects. Mild bruising at the venipuncture site can occur infrequently. You may also feel temporary soreness or discomfort at the injection site; any minor bleeding can be controlled with pressure and a bandage. You may also experience lightheadedness during or after the exam, which normally resolves with rest. The risk of infection at the puncture site is extremely low. However, a hematoma or nerve irritation may occur very rarely, manifesting as a sore raised area or temporary tingling sensation. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. If you have significant or prolonged symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
Medically Reviewed on 5/21/2024 References
Aken'Ova, Y.A., I. Adeyefa, and M. Okunade. "Ferritin and serum iron levels in adult patients with sickle cell anaemia at Ibadan, Nigeria." Afr J Med Med Sci 26.1-2: 39-41. |
