Why is Ferritin important for your Healthspan?
Ferritin levels reflect your body's iron stores, a balance important for maintaining Healthspan. Iron is a crucial mineral for oxygen transport throughout the body, energy production, and proper immune function. Both insufficient iron (deficiency) and excessive iron (overload) can negatively impact health. Low ferritin can lead to fatigue and reduced physical performance, while high ferritin might indicate iron accumulation that can affect organs over time. Monitoring ferritin helps ensure appropriate iron balance to support long-term vitality and disease prevention.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a spherical protein found predominantly inside cells, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, but also circulating in small amounts in the blood. Its main function is to store iron in a non-toxic form, acting as the body's primary iron reservoir. When the body needs iron, ferritin releases it. Therefore, the amount of ferritin in your blood generally correlates with the total amount of iron stored in your body. It is also an acute phase reactant, meaning its levels can rise in response to inflammation or infection, even if iron stores are not high, which is an important consideration when interpreting results.
How do we take action?
If ferritin levels are outside the typical range, one should consult with a healthcare provider to investigate the underlying cause. Low ferritin usually indicates iron deficiency, which might be addressed through dietary changes, iron supplementation, or identifying sources of blood loss. High ferritin can be more complex, potentially indicating iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis, or it could be a marker of inflammation, liver disease, or other conditions. Strategies for elevated ferritin might include further testing, dietary modifications to reduce iron intake, or therapeutic phlebotomy (blood removal) if iron overload is confirmed. Regular monitoring helps to manage iron balance and support overall Healthspan.
Additional Sources
1. Wang, W., Knovich, M. A., Coffman, L. G., Torti, F. M., & Torti, S. V. (2010). Serum ferritin: Past, present and future. Biochimica et biophysica acta, 1800(8), 760–769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.03.011
Author
We’re a collective of medical experts, researchers, and health enthusiasts dedicated to helping you live a longer, fuller life. By blending cutting-edge science with compassionate guidance, we strive to make every day a meaningful step toward optimal longevity.
