Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. Ferritin typically lies in the cells of the liver (hepatocytes) and immune system (reticuloendothelial cells). When the body releases ferritin, it goes and binds to transferrin. Transferrin is a protein that helps to transport ferrin to where the new red blood cells are made. A serum ferritin test indicates the amount of iron stored in the body. This is a very important test because it helps to distinguish between iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease.
- High levels of ferritin: Hemochromatosis, Alcoholic liver disease
- Low levels of ferritin: Anaemia, Heavy menstrual bleeding
Ferritin
parameters:
Normal levels of ferritin are:
Male: 22-300ng/ml
Female: 22-150ng/ml
How can ferritin
levels be increased?
Diet:
- Iron rich sources
Heme iron: Red meat, chicken breasts,
salmon etc
Non heme iron: Mainly dark leafy
vegetables, beans, rice, wheat, oats, fruits, vegetable, nuts and seeds.
- Vitamin C rich sources
Vitamin C increases the absorption of
non heme iron.
If you’re
consuming a diet rich in iron but your ferritin levels are still low, it may be
due to these factors:
- Iron cannot be absorbed in the body, if there are medical conditions such as:
Ø Crohn’s disease
Ø Celiac disease
Ø Autoimmune
disease and hormonal imbalance
- In case of kidney disease, the kidneys are unable to make enough hormones that signal the body to make red blood cells.
- Tannins present in coffee, tea can inhibit the absorption of non heme iron.
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