Ferritin
Ferritin
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The Serum Ferritin test measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. Ferritin levels provide important information about your iron status and can indicate iron deficiency or overload. This test is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or anemia. Understanding your ferritin levels can help inform dietary changes and iron supplementation as needed to maintain optimal health.
Reasons to Check It:
Reasons to Check It:
"Ferritin is a protein that transports iron in your body’s tissues. Research has shown that ferritin is a very reliable indicator of the status of your body’s iron stores. People who have very low or very high ferritin levels may have conditions that produce fatigue as a symptom.
One of the most common reasons for a low ferritin level is due to a woman having heavy periods. Very low levels of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia (the inability to make red blood cells efficiently). Supplementation with a good source of iron is easy, but be warned, supplemental iron can be hard on the stomach and constipating!
Hemochromatosis is a condition that interferes with iron metabolism and causes a surplus of iron in the body. Serum ferritin levels will be very high. It is a genetic condition affecting1 in 200 people of Northern European descent, particularly people of British and Irish descent. One in 15 Caucasians are genetic carriers of the disease." - Dr. Alan Hopkins
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