Why Test Your Ferritin Levels?

Testing ferritin levels is crucial for diagnosing iron-related conditions, monitoring chronic diseases, and ensuring optimal iron-dependent physiological functions.

Checking Iron Status

In clinical medicine, ferritin (the primary iron storage protein) is a biomarker primarily used to indicate total body iron stores (1). Most of the ferritin in the body exists within cells, but a small amount can be found circulating in the bloodstream, referred to as serum ferritin. When you take a ferritin test, you are receiving your serum ferritin levels. Awareness of your ferritin levels can serves a critical role in the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency and related conditions.

Serum ferritin is the most useful test for diagnosing iron deficiency (1), and is able to detect anemia early (also termed “Latent Iron Deficiency Anemia”). Recognition of latent iron deficiency anemia allows for intervention before more serious symptoms or tissue damage can develop.

 

If your ferritin test comes back as too low, it is important to discuss the results with your physician to investigate what the root cause for this value may be, and to create the right treatment plan for you. Doctors may prescribe repeat ferritin tests to assess your response to treatments such as iron supplementation, and guide their decision about treatment effectiveness and progression (2).

Why is iron status important?

Iron serves several critical functions in the human body.

1. Oxygen Transportation & Storage: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells) which transports oxygen from the lungs to the body, and returns carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Iron is also found in myoglobin (a protein in muscle cells) which stores and releases oxygen needed for muscular contractions.
2. Energy Metabolism: Iron is required to convert oxygen into useable cellular energy (ATP) by serving as a key component in the electron transport chain within the mitochondria (3).
3. Enzyme Function: Enzymes are biological catalysts involved in every chemical reaction in the body. Iron acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in a multitude of biochemical reactions, including the ones described in this list (DNA synthesis and repair, energy production, cellular respiration etc.).
4. Immune System Support: Iron is crucial for the proliferation and maturation of immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, which are essential for the body's defence against pathogens (4).
5. Cognitive Function: Adequate iron levels are necessary for optimal brain function, influencing cognitive performance, behaviour, and development (1,4).
6. Collagen Synthesis: Iron is required for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen, a structural protein important for skin, bone, and connective tissue health (5).
7. Hormone Synthesis: Iron is involved in the synthesis of certain hormones, including thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development (6).

 Disclaimer

The reference ranges and insights presented in Chromacare Wellness Hub articles are meant to improve understanding and provide context, however you should consult with your physician for a formal interpretation of your own results. None of the information within these Chromacare blog posts are meant to be or should be taken as personal medical advice. 

References and Further Reading

Scientific Studies and Articles:

1. Beard, J. L. (2001). Iron Biology in immune function, muscle metabolism and neuronal functioning. The Journal of Nutrition, 131(2), 568S-580S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/131.2.568s
2. O’Dell, B. L. (1981). Roles for iron and copper in connective tissue biosynthesis. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. B, Biological Sciences, 294(1071), 91–104. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1981.0091
3. Åsberg, A., Mikkelsen, G., Thorstensen, K., & Åsberg, A. E. (2013). Lower hemoglobin with lower ferritin: It is not just a question of anemia. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, 73(8), 622–626. https://doi.org/10.3109/00365513.2013.835863
4. Al-Jafar, H. A. (2017). Hwa: Hypoferritinemia without anemia a hidden hematology disorder. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 6(1), 69–72. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.214986
5. Ferreira, A., Neves, P., & Gozzelino, R. (2019). Multilevel impacts of iron in the brain: The Cross talk between neurophysiological mechanisms, cognition, and social behavior. Pharmaceuticals, 12(3), 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph12030126
6. Daru, J., Colman, K., Stanworth, S. J., De La Salle, B., Wood, E. M., & Pasricha, S.-R. (2017). Serum ferritin as an indicator of iron status: What do we need to know? The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106, 1634S-1639S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.117.155960
7. Plays, M., Müller, S., & Rodriguez, R. (2021). Chemistry and biology of ferritin. Metallomics, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.1093/mtomcs/mfab021

Other Educational Resources:

1. Passiment, E. (Ed.). (2023, January 13). Ferritin Test . Testing.com. https://www.testing.com/tests/ferritin/