Hematology
Ferritin: Your Body's Iron Storage and Inflammation Signal
Ferritin reflects both your body's iron reserves and acts as a sensitive acute-phase reactant. Understanding the health implications of ferritin levels that are too high or too low.
Reference: 30 - 200 ng/mL (optimal range) ng/mL
Key Takeaway
Ferritin is the primary form of iron storage in your body. It serves as both a "fuel tank" (iron reserves) and an "alarm system" (inflammation marker).
The Dual Identity of Ferritin
- Iron Storage Indicator: Reflects total iron reserves in the body. Low ferritin is the earliest signal of iron-deficiency anemia.
- Inflammation Marker: As an acute-phase reactant, ferritin levels rise significantly when the body is fighting infection, autoimmune disease, or chronic inflammation.
Reference Range Interpretation
- Low (＜ 30 ng/mL): Suggests insufficient iron reserves. Even with normal hemoglobin, you may experience fatigue, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating.
- Optimal Range: 30 - 200 ng/mL.
- High (> 300 ng/mL): May indicate iron overload (such as hemochromatosis), chronic inflammation, liver damage, or metabolic syndrome.
- Causes: Insufficient intake (vegetarian diet), malabsorption, chronic blood loss (heavy menstrual periods).
- Solutions: Increase red meat and organ meat consumption; supplement vitamin C to enhance absorption; consider oral iron supplements under medical guidance if needed.
Combined Interpretation
- Ferritin + hs-CRP: Distinguish between "true iron excess" and "false inflammation elevation."
- Ferritin + ALT/GGT: Assess liver health and rule out ferritin release due to liver cell damage.
- Ferritin + HbA1c: Evaluate the impact of metabolic inflammation on iron metabolism.
Related Reading
- Long-term blood sugar monitoring: HbA1c Deep Dive
- Inflammation monitoring: hs-CRP Deep Dive
- Liver health: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Reversal Guide
- Metabolic core: Systemic Management of Metabolic Syndrome
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