Iron is crucial for numerous bodily functions, and ferritin, an essential iron storage molecule, indicates total iron stores in the body. Ferritin helps to regulate iron homeostasis and deficiencies can signal anemia, providing insights into your overall health.

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin and Iron Deficiency Status

Iron is an essential trace element for the body, and plays a crucial role in a vast array of physiological processes. Very little iron should exist as free molecules in the body, and instead relies on being bound to transport or storage molecules like ferritin. Testing your ferritin levels gives you a measure of the amount of iron stored in your body.

Iron is involved in the immune system, metabolism, cognitive function, oxygen transportation, hormone health, the cell life cycle, and more. As with many nutrients, iron needs to be in a balance for optimal health; both too little and too much iron have negative effects on the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Ferritin (Iron)

• Fatigue and weakness
• Chronic Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Ringing in your ears
• Leg Pain
• Irritability
• Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue)
• Angular Somatitis
• Pica (desire to eat non-food items)
• Blue Sclera (white of the eye)

What does Ferritin do? 

Ferritin is found in all forms of cellular life, and has wide-ranging functions that are
location-specific in the body. The primary function of ferritin is as an iron storage molecule as mentioned above, however additional functions include:

• Keeping iron away from invading pathogens.
• Acting as an iron transport and delivery molecule.
• Housing iron in a non-toxic form to protect other cells and their components (DNA, lipids, proteins) from oxidative damage caused by free iron atoms.

Iron balance is tightly regulated through sophisticated systems that provide enough iron for the demands of cells, while preventing excess accumulation in the body.

The concentration of ferritin is directly proportional to iron stores in the body, making it one of the most useful markers for iron status in most populations. Check your ferritin levels with our simple at-home ferritin test and consult your doctor for personalized advice following your results.

Why Do Ferritin Levels Matter?

Ferritin dysfunction impacts quality of life, potentially decreasing cognitive and physical performance. Neglecting to normalize your ferritin levels can lead to more serious outcomes over time such as cell and organ damage, however there are multiple options for treating low ferritin levels once they are identified. Check your ferritin levels with our rapid at-home ferritin test and consult your doctor for personalized advice following your results.

Interested in learning more? Check out the additional article on our Wellness Hub!

 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. 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
2. Knovich, M. A., Storey, J. A., Coffman, L. G., & Torti, S. V. (2009). Ferritin for the Clinician. Blood Reviews, 23(3), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.blre.2008.08.001
3. Ministry of Health. (2023, November 2). Iron deficiency – diagnosis and management. Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/bc-guidelines/iron-deficiency
4. Orino, K., & Watanabe, K. (2008). Molecular, physiological and clinical aspects of the iron storage protein ferritin. The Veterinary Journal, 178(2), 191–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.006
5. Plays, M., Müller, S., & Rodriguez, R. (2021). Chemistry and biology of ferritin. Metallomics, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.1093/mtomcs/mfab021
6. Sandnes, M., Ulvik, R. J., Vorland, M., & Reikvam, H. (2021, May 1). Hyperferritinemia—a clinical overview. Journal of Clinical Medicine. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10092008
7. 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 (BBA) - General Subjects, 1800(8), 760–769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.03.011

Other Educational Resources:

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