What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in cells and releases it in a controlled manner. It is the major form of stored iron in the body. Ferritin is found in nearly all tissues, with highest concentrations in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Smaller amounts are also present in other organs such as the pancreas, kidney, and adrenal gland. In addition to storing iron, ferritin has several other functions including providing protection against oxidative damage and serving as an antioxidant.
The body needs iron for many purposes including making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood; myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen; and enzymes involved in energy production. The amount of iron stored in ferritin varies depending on the body’s needs. When dietary intake of iron is low or there is increased need for iron (such as during pregnancy or blood loss), more iron is stored as ferritin. When dietary intake of iron is high or there is decreased need for iron (such as during infancy or after treatment of anemia), lessiron is stored as ferritin.
Ferritin levels can be measured by a blood test called serum ferritin test. This test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. A high level may mean you have too much iron in your body (iron overload) or it may be due to inflammation or liver disease. A low level may mean you have anemia or another condition that causes Iron deficiency. Normal values may vary from lab to lab but are generally between 20-200 ng/mL for males and 12-150 ng/mL for females..