A ferritin serum/plasma test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood, a protein that stores iron within your cells. This test helps healthcare providers assess your body’s iron stores.
Understanding Ferritin
Ferritin acts as the body’s primary iron storage protein. It is found in most tissues, particularly concentrated in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and muscles. Ferritin sequesters excess iron, preventing damage, and makes it available for essential bodily functions when needed. A small amount of ferritin is also secreted into the bloodstream, and the level of this circulating serum ferritin indirectly reflects the total amount of iron stored in the body.
The Purpose of Ferritin Testing
It serves as a diagnostic tool for assessing iron stores and identifying conditions like iron deficiency or iron overload. This test is frequently part of a broader iron panel, which may also include measurements of iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT). By evaluating these markers together, doctors gain a comprehensive picture of your iron metabolism and can diagnose or rule out specific medical conditions.
What Your Ferritin Levels Mean
Low ferritin levels indicate iron deficiency, meaning your body’s iron stores are depleted. If not addressed, this can progress to iron deficiency anemia, where the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells. Symptoms associated with low iron can include paler-than-usual skin, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat.
Normal ferritin levels suggest adequate iron stores. Reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories, but for adult females, normal levels typically range from 20-250 ng/mL, and for adult males, 30-300 ng/mL.
High ferritin levels can signal several conditions beyond just iron overload. While they may indicate hemochromatosis, a condition where the body absorbs and stores too much iron, elevated ferritin can also be a marker of inflammation, liver disease, or certain cancers. Other causes include:
Chronic infections
Alcohol use disorder
Autoimmune diseases
Diabetes
Obesity
Hyperthyroidism
Therefore, high ferritin levels require further investigation to determine the underlying cause and should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional.
Common Influences on Ferritin Levels
Several factors can influence ferritin levels. Ferritin acts as an acute phase reactant, meaning its levels can rise significantly during inflammation or infection, even if actual iron stores are low or normal.
Liver disease is another common cause of elevated ferritin, as the liver is a primary site for iron storage. When liver cells are damaged, ferritin can leak into the bloodstream, leading to higher measured levels. Chronic conditions like kidney disease, certain cancers (such as leukemia or lymphoma), and autoimmune disorders can also impact iron metabolism and result in altered ferritin levels.
Dietary iron intake has a long-term impact on iron stores and, consequently, ferritin levels. Insufficient iron consumption, especially in plant-based diets, can lead to lower ferritin. Genetic conditions, such as hereditary hemochromatosis, are a significant cause of chronically high ferritin due to excessive iron absorption. These various influences highlight why healthcare providers often consider other diagnostic markers alongside ferritin to get a complete picture of a patient’s health.