What is Ferritin?

The protein complex that enables the storage and release of iron in our body is defined as Ferritin. The main function of ferritin is to safely store iron in the body and release it to be used when necessary. Low or high ferritin value is important as it indicates different health problems. However, it should not be forgotten that the ferritin level in healthy individuals varies according to different parameters such as gender and age.

Ferritin is found mostly in liver, bone marrow, muscle and spleen cells, and a small amount is transferred to the liver. From time to time, the amount of ferritin in the blood is checked in suspected cases such as demic deficiency anemia, chronic diseases or iron overload.

What is Low Ferritin?

High or low ferritin levels may indicate an underlying health problem. In both cases, it may cause some complaints in the person. Since it is a protein responsible for storing iron, low ferritin levels detected in tests indicate that iron stores are decreasing and it needs to be treated. Otherwise, in addition to increasing the complaints it creates in the person, it may lead to more serious problems such as iron deficiency anemia.

What are the Symptoms of Low Ferritin?

In case of low ferritin, some complaints occur in the person due to the body's inability to produce iron. Among the factors causing this situation: Many factors can cause low ferritin in women, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding due to intestinal diseases such as hemorrhoids and ulcers, not getting enough iron from food, chronic diseases or excessive tea and coffee consumption.

As a result of the body not producing enough iron; Complaints such as dizziness, headache, difficulty in concentration, shortness of breath, palpitations, hair loss, and easy fatigue occur. It is important for people with these symptoms to consult a physician immediately and have their ferritin levels checked with a blood test. Otherwise, if left untreated, different long-term health problems may occur.

How to Treat Low Ferritin?

When low ferritin is detected as a result of a blood test, the underlying cause is first investigated. Therefore, treatment appropriate to the person's condition and the underlying problem is continued. Switching to an iron-rich diet consisting mainly of red meat, fish, spinach, lentils, chickpeas and dried fruits, supplementing with iron medications under the supervision of a physician, solving problems that cause bleeding and supporting intestinal health for absorption problems are among the things to be done in the treatment approach.

What is Ferritin High?

As with low ferritin, high ferritin levels in the blood may also indicate a health problem. However, if ferritin increases, the person does not experience any significant complaints. Complaints arise more depending on the underlying problem.

Weight loss, weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, tanning or darkening of the skin, abdominal pain and, especially in the case of hemochromatosis, joint pain are among the complaints that may be observed due to diseases that result in increased ferritin.

What Causes High Ferritin?

An increase in ferritin values is observed in cases of excessive iron supplementation or frequent blood transfusions, some genetic diseases, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, some inflammatory diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and acute or chronic infections.

Treatment of High Ferritin

In the treatment of high ferritin, the treatment approach is continued according to the underlying cause. For example, if the underlying cause is infection or liver diseases, the source of the problem is first solved.

Bloodletting and chelation therapy are also applied to remove excess iron from the body. However, some changes need to be made in the diet, such as reducing iron-rich foods, not consuming alcohol, and reducing vitamin C consumption.

High ferritin level, which can usually be detected by a blood test, must be evaluated by a specialist as it may indicate a different health problem.
Since high ferritin levels may be a sign of another health problem, it should be evaluated by a doctor.

What Level of Ferritin is Dangerous?

When ferritin levels are dangerous depends on factors such as a person's general health, age, gender, and existing diseases. If the ferritin level falls below or exceeds the normal range. If there are symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, paleness. If high ferritin is observed along with symptoms such as abdominal pain, darkening of the skin, joint pain or weight loss. Blood test results should always be evaluated by a specialist. Ferritin level alone does not make a diagnosis; Other blood values and the general condition of the patient should also be taken into consideration.

Normal Ferritin Values

Women: 10-120 ng/mL
Men: 20-250 ng/mL
Children: 7-140 ng/mL

These values may vary slightly between laboratories.

Ferritin Levels and Danger Situations

Low Ferritin Level (<10-15 ng/mL)
High Ferritin Level (>300-400 ng/mL)
Hazard Potential:
400-1000 ng/mL:
1000 ng/mL and above: Excessive iron accumulation (hemochromatosis): The risk of damage to organs increases (especially the liver, heart and pancreas), these levels can be seen in some cancers such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, leukemia and lymphoma.

Note: In acute infections, inflammations or cancers, ferritin levels can become very high temporarily, but this does not always mean iron overload.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

”