What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Iron is a mineral that we get through the food we eat. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin captures the oxygen in the lungs and then transports it out to the body's cells and tissues.
What can a low or an elevated value of ferritin mean?
In case of iron deficiency, the levels of ferritin decrease, which indicates a lack of iron absorption. Therefore, measurements of ferritin are often used to assess a person's iron status. A low level of ferritin is a sign of iron deficiency anemia, while high levels may indicate excessive iron storage in the body.
Symptoms of iron deficiency:
- Tired and powerless
- Dizziness
- Concentration difficulties
- Rapid breathlessness
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Ear ringing
