Ferritin: what is it, how to prepare for analysis

Complexes with this research

Anti-aging diagnostics in postmenopause Control of age-related changes during postmenopause 12,630 ₽ Composition
Male anti-aging diagnostics Monitoring of key indicators in men aged 40+ 13,300 ₽ Composition

Blue blood Assessment of iron deficiency and the efficiency of the iron metabolism mechanism RUB 3,010 Composition

IN OTHER COMPLEXES

• Advanced anti-aging diagnostics in postmenopause RUB 29,230
• Vegetarians and vegans 5,820 RUR
• Monitoring the diet of a nursing mother RUB 2,940
• Advanced male anti-aging diagnostics RUB 33,710
• Women's anti-aging diagnostics RUB 12,070

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.

Detailed description of the study

Ferritin is a protein complex with iron ions. It is found in muscle, liver, spleen, bone marrow, reticulocytes (red blood cell precursor cells) and serum and is a form of iron reserve in the human body - one ferritin molecule can bind up to 4,000 iron atoms. When there is a lack of iron in the body, the ferritin reserve begins to be used. Thanks to this, the level of iron in the blood remains relatively constant.

A decrease in plasma ferritin levels serves as an indicator of iron deficiency and may indicate anemia (anemia). The most common manifestations of this condition are weakness and fatigue, drowsiness, pale skin, headache, dizziness, darkening of the eyes and tinnitus when changing body position.

The risk group for developing anemia includes:

• Women of childbearing age due to monthly blood loss;
• Pregnant women due to increased resource consumption of the body;
• Vegetarians and vegans due to insufficient intake of iron from food;
• People with gastrointestinal disorders due to iron malabsorption;
• Patients with chronic hemorrhoids;
• People over 65 years of age.

An increase in serum ferritin concentration can be observed in pathologies such as:

• Destruction of muscle tissue;
• Fractures of large bones;
• Extensive hematomas;
• Injuries to the spleen and inflammatory processes in it;
• Hematological diseases;
• Liver damage (viral hepatitis, liver necrosis);
• Kidney failure.

Determination of ferritin levels is used for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of not only iron deficiency, but also the pathologies listed above.

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.

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.

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.

Still have questions? Contact us:

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

.

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.

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).

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.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein in which iron is stored in tissues.

Synonyms Russian

Deposited iron, metalloprotein, indicator of iron reserves.

English synonyms

Ferritin.

Research method

Immunoturbidimetry.

Units

μg/L (micrograms per liter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

• Do not eat for 8 hours before the test; you can drink clean still water.
• Stop taking medications containing iron 72 hours before donating blood.
• Avoid physical and emotional stress and do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Ferritin is a protein in the form in which iron is mainly stored in the body.

It is absorbed from food and then transferred by transferrin, a special protein that is formed in the liver. Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and is an essential part of hemoglobin, a protein that fills red blood cells and allows them to carry oxygen from the lungs to organs and tissues. In addition, it is part of the muscle protein myoglobin and some enzymes.

Normally, the body contains 4-5 grams of iron. About 70% of this amount is iron, “built-in” into the hemoglobin of red blood cells. The remainder is mainly stored in tissues as part of protein complexes - ferritin and hemosiderin - which are mainly found in the liver, as well as in the bone marrow, spleen and muscles. Although ferritin is present in small amounts in the blood, its concentration reflects the body's iron stores.

When iron begins to be scarce, for example, if there is a decrease in its intake with food or frequent bleeding, the body begins to use reserves from tissues. The amount of ferritin decreases accordingly. A long-term lack of iron intake can lead to anemia. Ferritin levels can be reduced long before the symptoms of iron deficiency appear and allow anemia to be diagnosed in time.

On the other hand, if too much iron is taken in, it can lead to excessive iron accumulation and, as a result, damage to the liver, heart and pancreas.

It is worth noting that the use of various tests that reflect iron metabolism in the body provides more complete and reliable information about the deficiency or excess of this trace element than just a test for ferritin.

What is the research used for?

• To assess iron reserves in the body. This is necessary to identify iron deficiency or excess.
• To determine whether anemia is caused by a lack of iron or other causes, such as a chronic illness or lack of vitamin B12.

When is the study scheduled?

• If abnormalities are detected in tests such as general blood count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count.
• If you suspect a deficiency or excess of iron in the body.

In the early stages, iron deficiency may be asymptomatic. If a person is otherwise healthy, then signs of the disease sometimes appear only when hemoglobin drops below 100 g/l. The development of anemia is indicated by the following complaints: chronic weakness/fatigue, dizziness, headaches.

With severe anemia, the patient may suffer from shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headaches, and weakness in the legs. Children have learning difficulties.

In addition to the main ones, there are several more signs characteristic of iron deficiency: the desire to eat unusual foods (chalk, clay), burning of the tip of the tongue, jams - cracks in the corners of the mouth.

• If you suspect iron overload (hemochromatosis). This condition can manifest itself in different ways, for example, pain in the joints, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, decreased sexual desire, and irregular heart rhythm.
• When monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of anemia and conditions accompanied by iron overload.

What do the results mean?

Reference values

Reasons for low ferritin levels

• Iron deficiency, including hidden. A decrease in ferritin below 10 ng/ml usually indicates iron deficiency anemia.
• Third trimester of pregnancy. A decrease in the amount of iron in this case is normal.

Causes of increased ferritin levels

• Hereditary hemochromatosis. In this disease, too much iron is absorbed from food and deposited in various organs, causing them to become damaged.
• Multiple blood transfusions, intramuscular iron administration, administration of iron tablets.
• Inflammations, such as upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, autoimmune diseases. Moreover, an increase in ferritin in the acute phase of inflammation can mask the existing iron deficiency.
• Acute or chronic liver diseases.
• Alcoholism.
• Hemolytic anemia: associated with the destruction of red blood cells, B12 deficiency anemia, thalassemia.
• Hyperthyroidism – increased function of the thyroid gland.
• Oncological diseases of the bone marrow, breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease - a malignant neoplasm of lymphoid tissue. Ferritin levels will increase significantly.

What can influence the result?

• A falsely increased result can be caused by: fasting,
• alcohol, estrogens, oral contraceptives, iron supplements,
• hemolysis.

Important Notes

• The body normally loses iron through the desquamation of skin cells, as well as through feces and sweat. To replenish these losses, at least 1 mg of iron per day is required from food, twice as much for women during menstruation. A normal balanced diet provides 10-15 mg of iron per day, about 10% of this amount is absorbed. The main sources of iron in food: meat, fish, greens and cereals.
• Ferritin levels remain normal if iron deficiency is accompanied by inflammation. Therefore, to identify iron deficiency in such a situation, the joint administration of tests for ferritin and transferrin can be used.

Also recommended

• Serum iron
• Iron binding capacity of serum
• Latent iron binding capacity of serum
• Transferrin
• Hemoglobin
• Hematocrit
• Red blood cells

Who orders the study?

General practitioner, therapist, hematologist, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, nephrologist, surgeon.