What Does a Ferritin Blood Test Measure?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, which is essential for producing healthy red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body. A ferritin blood test provides valuable information about your body’s iron stores and helps diagnose conditions related to iron imbalance.
- Low Ferritin (Iron Deficiency)
- Causes: Insufficient dietary iron, heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, or chronic conditions can lead to low ferritin levels.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pale skin are common symptoms of iron deficiency.
- Significance: Low ferritin suggests that the body's iron stores are depleted, potentially leading to iron deficiency anemia. Early detection allows for dietary changes or iron supplementation to restore iron levels.
- High Ferritin (Iron Overload)
- Causes: High ferritin levels may result from conditions such as hemochromatosis, liver disease, or chronic inflammation.
- Symptoms: Joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and heart problems may occur in cases of iron overload.
- Significance: Elevated ferritin levels signal that the body may be storing too much iron, which can damage organs if untreated. Blood donation, dietary changes, or medications may be required to manage high iron levels.
Regular monitoring of ferritin levels is essential for maintaining healthy iron balance and preventing complications associated with both iron deficiency and overload.
Recommended Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC is essential for assessing overall blood health, including red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, which helps diagnose anemia often linked to abnormal ferritin levels.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Serum Iron Test
The serum iron test measures the amount of iron in your blood, providing further insight into your body's iron metabolism when used alongside ferritin testing.
Serum Iron Test
