What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. As the main way your body stores iron, it is a surrogate marker for iron stored in the body’s organs, as well as an inflammatory disease marker.
7-8 % of women and 1-3% of men in the West have anemia, whilst 25% have low iron. Pregnant women and those with heavy periods or injuries can lose 30-50 mg of iron per day, which quickly depletes iron stores if they are not replenished. Long-distance runners have an increased risk of low ferritin.
Why test ferritin?
Testing ferritin levels is crucial for several reasons. It helps discover risk factors for lifestyle diseases early, allowing timely intervention. A ferritin test can help to explain symptoms like unexplained fatigue, dizziness, chronic headaches, or weakness. Additionally, it enables monitoring of blood values as you make lifestyle changes, take supplements, or undergo treatments. It's also important in case of history of anaemia, heavy periods, or excess iron.
What causes low ferritin?
Iron deficiency anaemia is the main cause of low ferritin. Ferritin tests are evaluated in the light of other iron tests.
Symptoms of low ferritin
Low ferritin levels, indicating low iron storage, can cause fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. Individuals may also experience shortness of breath, pale skin, and frequent headaches. Other symptoms include brittle nails, restless legs syndrome, and unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances like ice or dirt (a condition known as pica). Low ferritin can lead to iron deficiency anaemia if not addressed, so get medical advice if you have these symptoms.
What causes high ferritin?
Inflammatory processes, excess iron consumption, and iron overload can all cause high ferritin.
Symptoms of high ferritin
High ferritin levels, indicating excess iron storage, can lead to various symptoms. Common signs include joint pain, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Individuals may also experience weakness, unexplained weight loss, and darkening of the skin. High ferritin levels can be associated with liver disease, diabetes, and heart problems.
More information
Iron deficiency (anemia) and excess (hemochromatosis) are both very common and underdiagnosed disorders that can cause serious health problems if not detected early enough.
The ferritin test is ordered to assess a person's iron stores in the body. The test is usually ordered along with serum iron and transferrin or TIBC to detect the presence and severity of iron deficiency or excess iron.
Ferritin levels can be elevated in people with inflammation, liver disease, chronic infection, autoimmune disorders, and some types of cancer. Ferritin should not be analysed when you have an infection or acute inflammation, and other factors should be considered when analysing the results.
Values that are slightly outside the reference range can be normal. Reference ranges are not perfect and approximately 5% of healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range.
Preparations for this test
If you take iron supplements, avoid them for 24 hours before doing this test. Postpone this test if you are ill.
On the day of the test
Always take I.D. with you when taking a test. Take this test before 10 am, since iron levels vary. If you are a menstruating woman, note the day of your cycle when you take the test. This may be helpful later.