Ferritin

What Is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and releases it when your body needs it. Bone marrow plays a crucial role in storing iron and producing healthy red blood cells, which are essential for various body functions. It acts as your iron reserve, ensuring you have a steady supply for critical functions like oxygen transport, energy production, and immune support.

Iron stored in ferritin is essential for enzymes that support cellular energy production. These enzymes play a direct role in maintaining healthy muscles, brain function, and hormonal balance. Without adequate ferritin levels, these processes may be compromised, leading to a cascade of symptoms.

Low or high ferritin levels can indicate underlying health issues, from iron deficiency to chronic inflammation or iron overload.

How Is Ferritin Measured?

A ferritin blood test measures how much iron is stored in your body by determining the amount of ferritin in your blood. It’s often ordered alongside other tests, like a complete blood count (CBC) or iron studies, to provide a comprehensive view of your iron status.

Ferritin testing is highly reliable, but its accuracy increases when combined with additional markers. For instance, testing transferrin saturation and serum iron alongside ferritin can reveal hidden iron imbalances that might otherwise go unnoticed. This comprehensive approach helps your healthcare provider tailor treatments.

Normal Ferritin Levels

Normal ranges can vary slightly depending on the lab, but general guidelines are:

• Men: 30–330 ng/mL
• Women: 30-300 ng/mL

It’s important to note that normal doesn’t always mean optimal. A man with a ferritin level of 35 ng/mL might technically be in the normal range, but this could indicate depleted iron stores. Many healthcare providers focus on optimal ranges to better support long-term health.

Levels outside these ranges could indicate iron deficiency, chronic disease, or iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis.

When to Get a Ferritin Test

A ferritin test is typically ordered by a healthcare provider when there are signs that you might have an iron deficiency or iron overload.

Recognising the subtle symptoms of iron imbalances is critical. Mild iron deficiency might present as reduced exercise tolerance, brittle nails, or frequent infections. Overlooking these early warning signs can lead to more severe complications like anaemia.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, such as persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or frequent headaches, it might be time to consider a ferritin test. These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, and identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment.

Additionally, if you have a family history of iron-related disorders like hemochromatosis, your healthcare provider may recommend a ferritin test to monitor your iron levels. Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or rheumatoid arthritis, can also affect how your body stores iron, making regular monitoring important.

If you’re taking iron supplements or have had multiple blood transfusions, a ferritin test can help ensure your iron levels remain within a healthy range. Monitoring is key to preventing complications from too much iron or iron deficiency.

Even if you feel healthy, ferritin testing can be a valuable preventative measure. Some individuals with iron overload conditions remain asymptomatic for years. Regular testing ensures you catch potential problems early, preventing damage to organs like the liver or heart.

‍

How to Get a Ferritin Test

Getting a ferritin test is a straightforward process. This simple blood test can be performed at your doctor’s office, a laboratory, or a hospital.

If you’re undergoing a full health check-up, a ferritin test can often be combined with other blood tests. This makes it more convenient and provides a comprehensive view of your metabolic and overall health.

During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The procedure is quick, usually taking less than five minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

For those who prefer convenience, ferritin testing kits are available online. These kits allow you to visit a participating lab to provide your blood sample without needing a doctor’s order. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before taking the test to ensure it’s necessary and to discuss the results afterward.

How to Prepare for a Ferritin Blood Test

Preparing for a ferritin test is straightforward, but following these tips ensures accurate results:

1. Fasting: Some doctors recommend fasting for 8–12 hours before the test to avoid any potential interference and to ensure accurate iron level measurements.
2. Medication Disclosure: Inform your doctor about any supplements or medications, especially iron or multivitamins.
3. Timing: Schedule the test early in the morning, as ferritin levels can vary slightly throughout the day.

Staying hydrated is also essential. Drinking water before your test can make it easier for the healthcare professional to draw your blood, especially if you have small or deep veins.

What to Expect After a Ferritin Test

Once you’ve completed your ferritin test, you can typically expect to receive your results within 1-2 days. These results will show your ferritin levels, which will be compared to a reference range to determine if they are normal, low, or high.

If your results are borderline abnormal, your doctor may recommend retesting in a few months. This approach helps differentiate between temporary fluctuations and chronic issues.

Regardless of the results, your healthcare provider will discuss them with you and suggest appropriate treatment options. These might include dietary changes, iron supplements, or medications to help manage your iron levels and prevent potential complications.

How to Interpret Ferritin Blood Test Results

Low Ferritin Levels

Low levels typically indicate iron deficiency, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and hair loss. Low ferritin levels can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, affecting the production of healthy red blood cells. It’s often linked to:

• Inadequate dietary iron intake
• Blood loss (e.g., heavy periods, ulcers)
• Poor iron absorption (e.g., celiac disease)

High Ferritin Levels

Elevated levels may signal iron overload or chronic inflammation and are associated with:

• Acute or chronic infections or inflammatory conditions
• Hemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing iron accumulation)
• Liver disease

Risks and Limitations of Ferritin Testing

While ferritin testing is valuable, it has some limitations:

1. Not Disease-Specific: Abnormal levels can indicate a range of issues, requiring further testing to pinpoint the cause.
2. Influenced by Inflammation: Ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, meaning it can rise during illness or stress, even if iron levels are normal.
3. Requires Context: Results should always be interpreted alongside other blood tests like serum iron, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).

Ferritin and Long-Term Health

Iron is essential, but balance is key. Maintaining adequate iron stores is essential for overall health and preventing complications. Both low and high ferritin levels can have long-term health implications:

Low Ferritin and Health Risks

Iron deficiency, if left untreated, can lead to:

• Anaemia, reducing your body’s ability to carry oxygen
• Impaired immune function
• Reduced cognitive performance

High Ferritin and Health Risks

Chronic iron overload can damage organs and increase the risk of:

• Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, fatty liver)
• Heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, heart failure)
• Diabetes due to oxidative stress on the pancreas

‍

How to Improve Your Ferritin Levels

Ferritin levels can often be improved with lifestyle changes and targeted interventions.

Boosting Low Ferritin Levels

1. Increase Dietary Iron:
   • Haem iron (animal-based): Found in red meat, poultry, and fish.
   • Non-haem iron (plant-based): Found in beans, lentils, tofu, and spinach.
2. Enhance Iron Absorption:
   • Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C (e.g., citrus fruits, bell peppers).
   • Avoid inhibitors like tea, coffee, or calcium supplements during iron-rich meals.
3. Supplementation:
   • Take iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor.
   • Avoid self-prescribing, as excess iron can cause toxicity.

Reducing High Ferritin Levels

1. Limit Iron Intake:
   • Reduce consumption of red meat and iron-fortified foods.
2. Donate Blood:
   • Regular blood donation can help lower iron levels in people with excess.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
   • Reduce processed foods and increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish.
4. Seek Medical Treatment:
   • For conditions like hemochromatosis, therapeutic phlebotomy (blood removal) may be necessary.