Blood test for ferritin - what is it for?

Ferritin

plays an important role in the normal functioning of the body.
This is a protein that is responsible for iron deposition, tissue and organ regeneration. Normal ferritin levels should be 100 micrograms per liter (mcg/L), regardless of age or weight.
In some laboratories, current reference values exceed 100 μg/L. It is necessary to monitor this indicator from childhood, since there is a category of people who have low ferritin levels from birth. As a rule, it is inherited on the maternal side.

Low ferritin levels

When ferritin levels are low, the regeneration process slows down.

This negatively affects the functioning of primarily organs that have an aggressive environment - the stomach, urethral canal, intestines, vagina, and oral cavity. The outflow of lymph is disrupted, it is retained in the tissues, which leads to lymphostasis. The skin suffers because ferritin is involved in the formation of collagen.

What symptoms indicate that you should check your ferritin levels?

Oral cavity.

Seizures in the corners of the mouth, dry, chapped lips, recurrent and long-lasting stomatitis. Damage to the tip of the tongue, tingling, sour taste - this occurs not only due to reflux and esophagitis, but also when the oral mucosa cannot recover.

Stomach.

Ulcers, erosions, bad breath that does not go away with the drug treatment received.

Intestines.

Frequent diarrhea, loose or pasty stools, gas and bloating.

In addition to treating the gastrointestinal tract, it is imperative to check your ferritin level.

Vagina and urethral canal.

Persistent and recurrent candidiasis, cystitis, which can occur without pain.

Lymphostasis.

Lymph consists of 80% protein - ferritin. It is a transport fluid that takes toxins from the site of intoxication and delivers them to the blood. In this way, the body self-cleanses. Disruption of this process has several manifestations - swelling and frequent or prolonged colds. Swelling is most pronounced in the first half of the day and goes away on its own by lunchtime or evening. Not only the face swells, but also the limbs. Colds are sluggish and recur.

Poor skin healing.

Low ferritin levels lead to poor collagen production. The skin loses its protective properties, since the collagen it contains is not enough to withstand ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes (cold or heat). Pigment spots may form on the skin, including those of the vitiligo type. Turgor decreases. Small wounds and cuts do not heal for a long time. Spots form at the sites of damage that do not go away within 2-3 years. After plastic surgery, instead of invisible seams, scars are formed, sometimes with pigmentation. When applying a tattoo, instead of the desired black shade, you may end up with a greenish or gray shade, which will also not stick well. Facial asymmetry with Botox injection can also occur due to low levels of collagen in the skin.

General information

Iron is vital for the body. It is part of hemoglobin, a number of enzymes, muscle protein, and is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. About 30% of the total amount of iron is stored in protein complexes in the body. This reserve begins to be used up if the body experiences iron deficiency for various reasons (for example, it is not supplied enough from food). The amount of ferritin in the blood decreases much earlier than health complaints appear and the presence of anemia can be suspected. An excess of iron is fraught with its excessive accumulation, which leads to damage to internal organs.

Ferritin: normal levels

Various diseases or certain physiological processes can affect ferritin levels. Natural reasons for decreased performance include:

periodic female bleeding;
pregnancy;
dieting.

To monitor health status as a preventive measure, as well as in case of symptoms typical of iron deficiency, a biochemical blood test for ferritin is performed. The collected biomaterial is examined to understand how many micrograms of iron are contained in one liter of plasma.

The norms for each age group are different:

in newborns from 25 to 600 mcg/l;
in children older than 28 days, but not yet 9 weeks of age, the norm is 20-600 mcg/l;
in children from 2 to 5 months it should be from 50 to 200 mcg/l;
children aged from six months to one year should have from 70 to 140 mcg/l;
girls and women over 12 years of age should have a normal level of 22 to 180 mcg/l;
boys and men over 12 years old - from 30 to 310 mcg/l.

Women's blood contains less ferritin because it contains less hemoglobin, red blood cells and iron molecules. In addition, pregnancy makes its own adjustments to ferritin levels:

in the first trimester of pregnancy, levels can reach 90 mcg/l;
in the second trimester, blood contains up to 74 mcg/l;
and the third trimester is famous for its low ferritin level - only 10-15 mcg/l.

Preparing to donate blood

For this test, blood from a vein is taken on an empty stomach (food should not be consumed for 8 hours). During this period, only clean water is allowed; tea, coffee and carbonated drinks must be excluded. For half an hour before donating blood, you should avoid significant physical activity and stop smoking. Taking medications that contain iron should be stopped three days before the test (you should consult your doctor before stopping taking them).

Recommendations for preparation may be provided by the attending physician or laboratory staff.

General recommendations:

avoiding drinks that contain sugar and caffeine;
blood is donated on an empty stomach in the first half of the day (the fasting period should be 8-12 hours);
It is recommended to quit smoking an hour before taking blood.

On the day of blood collection, you can only drink plain water (carbonated drinks, including those without sugar, should be excluded).

High ferritin levels

High ferritin, close to the normal limit, indicates that tissues and organs receive a sufficient amount of iron every day from the diet, thanks to which the body is able to store reserves of an important element. If the values obtained as a result of laboratory tests gave inflated indicators, significantly beyond the acceptable limits, this is a reason to examine to identify:

oncology;
infection with the immunodeficiency virus;
problems in the functioning of the endocrine system.

Separately, you need to analyze your diet. Perhaps excess iron can easily be explained by a diet rich in this element.

Interpretation of results

Blood test for ferritin

used to diagnose anemia caused by infectious diseases, the development of a malignant neoplasm or an inflammatory process. It is also prescribed when differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is necessary. Reference values differ depending on gender. For women they are 10-150 ng/mg, and for men 20-350 ng/mg. If acute inflammation develops in the body, ferritin concentration increases significantly. A slight decrease in its amount in pregnant women is within normal limits and does not indicate the presence of pathology. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a lack of ferritin.

An increase in indicators is possible in the following cases:

liver pathologies;
acute inflammatory process;
lymphogranulomatosis;
leukemia;
long-term use of oral contraceptives;
general exhaustion of the body.

This test is not intended for self-diagnosis and should only be interpreted by a physician. Self-medication can cause irreparable harm to your health, so you should not risk it; you should consult a doctor. When interpreting the results, data from other studies, individual characteristics of the organism and a number of other factors are taken into account. If deviations from the norm are detected in the early stages, in many cases, taking a course of a vitamin-mineral complex is sufficient to normalize them, but such a drug must be prescribed by a doctor. For the most reliable assessment of iron metabolism, as a rule, a complex of laboratory tests is carried out, rather than a single analysis.

Why is low ferritin dangerous?

A decrease in ferritin levels is primarily an indication for analysis of the nutritional system. Most often, insufficient iron levels in the blood are caused by improper diets or fasting. The second most popular cause is bleeding and diseases of the digestive system. With blood loss, large volumes of iron leave the body, and due to impaired absorption function, the deficiency cannot be replenished.

With a lack of ferritin, the following symptoms appear:

brittle nails;
hair loss;
decreased libido;
mood swings;
increased heart rate;
dizziness;
memory impairment.

Low ferritin, if not detected in time, and nutrition adjustments and the necessary treatment are not started, can become an impetus for the development of iron deficiency anemia.

Ferritin concept

What is ferritin in a blood test? This concept implies a complex protein complex, the main function of which is the transport of iron. The structure of ferritin is quite complex; it includes the protein apoferritin and an iron atom in the composition of phosphate hydroxide. One molecule of the complex can contain up to 4 thousand iron atoms.

Ferritin is very important for the normal functioning of the body. It is responsible for the metabolic processes that maintain Fe atoms in a soluble, non-toxic form.

When should you check your ferritin?

Iron deficiency often manifests itself in fatigue and fatigue. Alarming symptoms also include:

irritability,
depression and despondency,
frequent dizziness,
weakness in legs
chest pain,
constipation,
pale or blue skin,
peeling nails,
brittle and falling hair,
non-healing cracks in the corners of the lips,
rapid pulse,
change in taste or its perversion - you want to eat chalk, clay, raw dough, etc.

Detailed description of the study

Iron and ferritin, their role in the body

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. One ferritin molecule contains up to 4,500 iron atoms.

Iron is an important trace element that performs many functions:

participates in hematopoietic processes,
helps transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs,
is part of myoglobin - a protein that supplies oxygen to the skeletal muscles and the heart muscle - the myocardium,
participates in DNA synthesis,
normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, nervous system,
influences the mechanisms of the immune response.

Iron is not produced in the body on its own, but comes from outside, with food or special supplements.

Normally, the tissues of an adult contain up to 5 grams of iron. About 70% of this amount is hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells (erythrocytes). The remaining iron is stored in protein complexes - ferritin and hemosiderin. When there is not enough iron supplied from the outside, the body uses these reserves. The most ferritin is contained in liver cells, spleen cells, reticulocytes (cells that are the precursors of red blood cells), muscles, and bone marrow. A certain number of ferritin molecules, proportional to the total supply, circulates in the bloodstream.

A decrease in ferritin levels in the blood is one of the early markers of iron deficiency anemia: a condition in which the production of red blood cells is disrupted. A ferritin test helps diagnose the disease at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. An increase in ferritin levels, on the contrary, may indicate excess iron. This is an equally dangerous condition that can be accompanied by damage to tissues and organs, primarily the liver, heart, and pancreas.

Ferritin deficiency: diseases and symptoms

Reduced ferritin levels are a clear sign of iron deficiency. With a long-term lack of this microelement, iron deficiency anemia (anemia) develops: the level of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood drops, the body cells are less well supplied with oxygen.

People at risk for developing anemia include:

people over 65 years old,
children 1 year - 2 years old,
pregnant women,
women of childbearing age due to monthly blood loss,
blood donors,
patients with chronic blood loss (gastric, intestinal, hemorrhoidal bleeding),
vegetarians and vegans (insufficient amount of iron comes from food),
people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
patients regularly taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

At first, the disease is asymptomatic: in the absence of external “supplies” of iron, the body uses previously accumulated reserves, so the synthesis of red blood cells occurs as usual. However, over time, these reserves run out - there is less and less ferritin in the body. Laboratory diagnosis helps detect the disease at an early stage: at this point, studies will show that serum iron is at normal levels, while ferritin will be reduced.

When iron stores are finally depleted, the body begins to produce more transferrin to increase iron transport. At this stage, tests usually reveal a decrease in serum iron levels and an increase in transferrin in the blood.

Over time, the body produces fewer and fewer red blood cells, and iron deficiency anemia begins to show symptoms.

Possible symptoms of iron deficiency anemia:

weakness,
drowsiness,
dizziness and headaches,
pale skin,
darkening of the eyes and noise in the ears when changing body position,
leg pain,
hair loss,
dyspnea,
brittle nails,
constipation

Excess ferritin: diseases and symptoms

Elevated ferritin levels indicate excess iron in the body. This condition can occur with certain injuries, diseases and pathological processes. Among them:

fractures of large bones,
extensive hematomas,
spleen injuries,
destruction of muscle tissue,
acute or chronic liver diseases,
inflammatory processes in the spleen,
hematological diseases,
renal failure,
hyperthyroidism - hyperfunction of the thyroid gland,
oncological diseases: (pancreatic carcinoma, lung cancer, hepatoma - liver tumor, neuroblastoma - tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, breast cancer).

Elevated ferritin levels are observed in hereditary hemochromatosis. This disease, caused by mutations in the HFE gene, leads to increased absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract and its accumulation in body tissues. As a result, the functions of the liver, heart, pituitary gland, and pancreas are disrupted.

High levels of ferritin can be detected in people who have had multiple blood transfusions or prescribed iron supplements, as well as in patients with hemosiderosis - excessive deposition of hemosiderin in body tissues (hemosiderin is an iron-containing pigment, a breakdown product of hemoglobin and ferritin).

Symptoms of excess ferritin:

abdominal pain,
skin hyperpigmentation,
signs of liver damage: ascites, hepatosplenomegaly - simultaneous enlargement of the spleen and liver,
symptoms of heart damage (atrial fibrillation and other rhythm disturbances),
pain in the joints, especially metacarpophalangeal,
development of diabetes mellitus.

Indications for biochemical blood tests

The study is carried out at the first stage of diagnosing any somatic diseases of any profile. It is mandatory to refer a patient for blood biochemistry in case of the following complaints and symptoms:

Regular disruptions in digestion (nausea, vomiting, heaviness in the abdomen, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation, heartburn, discomfort in the hypochondrium);
Sustained pain of any localization (headache, muscle, joint, in the area of internal organs);
Respiratory disorders (persistent cough, shortness of breath, spasms);
Signals from the nervous system (tremor of the limbs, chronic fatigue, insomnia, dizziness and fainting);
Malfunctions of the genitourinary system (changes in the smell and color of urine, changes in the frequency of urination, discomfort during the process);
Signals from the cardiovascular system (rapid or rare heartbeat, high or low blood pressure);
Weakness of the immune system, which is expressed in frequent and long-lasting respiratory diseases;
Pathological changes in the skin and the presence of visible tumors on the body;
Signs of endocrine disorders (persistent thirst or hunger, sudden changes in weight, constant feeling of heat or cold).

Heart Health Linked to Decreased Protein Complex

A lack of ferritin in a biochemical blood test often indicates the development of heart failure. At the same time, there is also a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels. When examining red blood cells, their decrease and poor hemoglobin saturation are diagnosed. In most cases, ferritin acts as a cause, not a consequence, of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.

Possible cardiac abnormalities:

carditis is an inflammatory process of various parts of the heart due to infectious and allergic lesions. In this case, a person experiences pain in the chest area, fatigue, shortness of breath and other symptoms;
changes in the thickness and structure of blood vessels;
disruption of myocardial metabolic processes;
attacks of arrhythmia (tachycardia, bradycardia).

Due to a deficiency of essential nutrients, the heart begins to function in an unusual mode, which means that it wears out prematurely. An increase in load on an organ provokes its structural changes, hypertrophy, and tissue proliferation. A persistent and long-term decrease in ferritin causes oxygen starvation of myocardial tissue and the appearance of areas of necrosis. The patient has a heart murmur and impaired functioning of the aortic and mitral valves.

If the described condition is not treated in a timely manner, a person may experience severe heart failure, stroke, or heart attack.

Complexes with this research

Vegetarians and vegans Metabolic control while avoiding animal products 3,560 ₽ Composition
Men's anti-aging diagnostics Control of key indicators in men aged 40+ 7,900 ₽ Composition

Anti-aging diagnostics in postmenopause Control of age-related changes during postmenopause RUR 7,440 Composition

IN OTHER COMPLEXES

Women's anti-aging diagnostics RUB 7,120
Monitoring the diet of a nursing mother RUB 1,700
Advanced women's anti-aging diagnostics RUB 19,540
Advanced male anti-aging diagnostics RUB 22,840
Advanced anti-aging diagnostics in postmenopause RUB 19,860

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What happens when there is low acidity in the stomach?

Low acidity in the stomach leads to poor protein breakdown. Trivalent iron does not convert into divalent iron, and, entering the intestines unchanged, is poorly absorbed. Low acidity reduces the production of intrinsic factor in the stomach. This is a protein that converts vitamin B12 into an absorbable form and transports it to the intestines. With low acidity, vitamin B9 (folic acid) is almost completely destroyed, and it is necessary for the synthesis of amino acids and the absorption of vitamin B12.

What affects the production of hydrochloric acid?

The key stimulators of the production of gastric juice - hydrochloric acid - are histamine, acetylcholine and gastrin. Gastrin has the greatest effect. It is produced by endocrines - G-cells. The production of gastrin depends on somatostatin, a hormone produced by the pancreas and hypothalamus. Somatostatin suppresses gastrin production. The secretion of digestive enzymes and bile is disrupted, and acidity decreases.

The function of the hypothalamus is closely related to the function of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland. If there is a violation, protein from food will not be absorbed.

Integrated approach: ferritin, hormones, iron, folic acid, TSH

For effective treatment, in addition to ferritin levels, it is necessary to check hormonal levels, serum iron levels, vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid). If the level of iron and vitamins B12 and B9 is low, protein supplements alone will not be able to increase ferritin levels. The problem must be solved as a whole. It is worth noting that the levels of copper, calcium, and vitamin C do not play

Causes of elevated ferritin

An increase in ferritin in the blood is a signal of serious disorders that require additional diagnostics. Iron is a vital, but at the same time toxic element. Its excess is deposited in the joints, liver, heart, causing lasting harm to the body. That is why, if an increased concentration of this substance is detected, efforts should be directed toward identifying and treating such a deviation.

Medicine knows a number of diseases that provoke an increased content of a biological complex in the blood.

Hyperthyroidism

The disease is accompanied by an increase in the production of thyroid hormones. As a result, all metabolic processes in the body are severely disrupted, including iron metabolism. The pathology causes an increase in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which entails symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbance, changes in heart rate, tremors of the limbs, weight loss and others.

Cardiovascular disorders

With a persistent increase in the protein complex, a person may develop cardiac hemochromatosis. At the same time, the organ increases in size, its tissues become denser, and acquire a brownish, rusty color. The condition is accompanied by the development of cardiosclerosis. During this disease, a dystrophic change in the structure of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue are noted.

Excess iron is a common cause of cardiac abnormalities

Polycythemia

This pathology involves a blood disease that causes an increase in the red blood cell count in the bloodstream. The disease in most cases affects males and is extremely rare (no more than 5 cases per million population). The main reason for its occurrence is a change in the structure of a special enzyme in the human bone marrow. There are true polycythemia and false type.

In some patients, it manifests itself in the form of bleeding gums, gout, enlarged spleen, itchy skin and other symptoms. A blood test reveals high levels of ferritin and red blood cells.

Important! Often the disorder occurs without visible manifestations and is discovered accidentally during a laboratory study of blood composition.

Liver diseases

The ferritin level increases in pathologies such as hepatitis, hepatoma (primary liver cancer), cirrhosis due to alcohol intake, obstructive jaundice, necrosis of organ tissue. In such patients, a moderate or significant increase in the amount of protein complex in the blood is diagnosed.

Inflammatory and infectious diseases

High iron levels are often triggered by various infections, accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process. These include:

rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic pathology affecting connective tissue, affecting mainly small joints;
osteomyelitis – purulent-necrotic changes in the structure of bones, bone marrow and surrounding tissues caused by pathogenic microorganisms;
pneumonia – inflammation of lung tissue, provoked by the negative influence of various pathogens;
diseases of the urinary system of infectious origin.

A ferritin test allows you to suspect many diseases.

In addition to the diseases described above, an increase in ferritin can be provoked by systemic lupus erythematosus, burns, lymphogranulomatosis, hereditary pathologies characterized by impaired iron storage in the body, leukemia and other conditions. Often an increase in the concentration of the protein complex is diagnosed in alcohol dependence.