In short
- Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and indicates how much iron your body has in reserve.
- A low ferritin level may indicate iron deficiency, even when your haemoglobin level is still normal.
- Iron deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches or reduced stamina.
- An elevated ferritin level can have various causes and should always be assessed together with other blood values.
- An anaemia test can provide insight into your iron stores and help detect a possible iron deficiency or iron overload.
- Measuring ferritin is often part of investigations into anaemia, persistent fatigue or unexplained health symptoms.
- The results of an anaemia test are often assessed together with other iron-related values, such as iron and haemoglobin, to provide a more complete picture.
- Would you like to know whether you have sufficient iron stores? An anaemia test can provide quick and reliable insight.
What is ferritin and what role does it play in the body?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Iron is important for producing red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Ferritin acts as a kind of storage system: it stores iron and releases it when the body needs it. In this way, ferritin helps ensure that enough iron is available for important processes.
What does a low or high ferritin level mean?
A low ferritin level usually means that the body’s iron stores are low. This may indicate iron deficiency or anaemia. A high ferritin level may mean that there is too much iron in the body, or that there is inflammation or another underlying condition. Both situations can have consequences for your health.
What symptoms can be associated with an abnormal ferritin level?
If your ferritin level is too low, you may experience fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness or heart palpitations. If your ferritin level is too high, you may experience symptoms such as joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue or bronze-coloured skin. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.
What can cause ferritin levels to increase or decrease?
Ferritin levels can be low due to insufficient iron in the diet, blood loss (for example, due to menstruation or a stomach ulcer), or because the body needs more iron (such as during pregnancy). Ferritin levels can be elevated due to iron overload (too much iron in the body), liver disease, chronic inflammation, infections or certain types of cancer.
When should you consider having your ferritin measured?
It may be advisable to have your ferritin measured if you have symptoms associated with anaemia or iron deficiency, such as fatigue or pale skin. If you are at risk of iron overload, for example due to a hereditary predisposition, it may also be useful to have your ferritin level checked. Ferritin is sometimes also measured in cases of long-term inflammation or certain medical conditions.
How is ferritin measured and how should you interpret the result?
Ferritin is measured using a finger-prick blood test. The result indicates how much ferritin is present in your blood. Normal reference values may vary between laboratories, but are often between 20 and 300 micrograms per litre. A level below the normal range may indicate iron deficiency, while a level above the normal range may indicate iron overload or inflammation. The result should always be discussed with your doctor and interpreted together with other blood values and your symptoms.
What conditions can be associated with an abnormal ferritin level?
A low ferritin level is commonly associated with iron-deficiency anaemia. A high ferritin level can occur with haemochromatosis (an inherited iron overload disorder), liver disease, chronic inflammation, infections or certain types of cancer.
How can an abnormal ferritin level be improved or treated?
If your ferritin level is low, it is important to determine the underlying cause. Eating more iron-rich foods (such as red meat, legumes or green vegetables) or taking iron supplements may help. If your ferritin level is high, treatment depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, blood may need to be removed (phlebotomy), or the underlying condition may need to be treated. Always discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation with your doctor.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If your symptoms persist or you are concerned, always contact your doctor. neem dan altijd contact op met je huisarts.
