Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen around the body to organs such as the liver, bone marrow, and muscles. It serves as an indirect marker of the total amount of iron stored in the body; hence, serum ferritin is used as a diagnostic test for iron-deficiency anemia.

High Ferritin Levels:

Causes

• Inflammation
• Liver disease
• Iron overload
• Hereditary haemochromatosis
• Autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Alcohol abuse
• Frequent blood transfusions

Symptoms

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Liver dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunctions, such as impotence and low sex drive
• Disorders of the menstrual period
• Loss of body hair

Treatment

• Phlebotomy or venesection
• Reduce intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meat
• Donating blood regularly
• Avoid taking vitamin C with foods that are rich in iron
• Avoid using iron cookware

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen around the body. Ferritin is found in organs such as the liver, bone marrow, and muscles. It serves as an indirect marker of the total amount of iron stored in the body; hence, serum ferritin is used as a diagnostic test for iron-deficiency anemia.

Low Ferritin Levels:

Causes

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Low red blood cell count
• Poor diet
• Blood loss
• Heavy bleeding from an injury
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines
• Malabsorption of iron

Symptoms

• Feeling tired, listless, and weak
• Poor performance at school or work
• Infections
• Fatigue
• Behavior problems in children
• Poor memory and concentration

Treatment

• Address underlying causes (e.g., bleeding)
• Iron supplements
• Iron infusion
• Vitamin C
• B-group vitamins
• Medications such as oral contraceptives to lighten heavy menstrual flow
• Antibiotics to treat peptic ulcers
• Surgery to remove a bleeding polyp, a tumor, or a fibroid
• Use cast iron cookware

Protein that stores iron. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen around the body such as the liver, bone marrow, and muscles. An indirect marker of the total amount of iron stored in the body; hence, serum ferritin is used as a diagnostic test for iron- deficiency anemia.