Ferritin blood test in Sheffield

What is ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron.

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What is its function?

Ferritin stores iron and releases it when your body needs it. So your ferritin levels are a useful indicator of your body's iron status.

Low levels can indicate that you have iron deficiency anaemia. High levels can indicate that you're storing too much iron.

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What can cause it to change?

Low ferritin

Your ferritin levels can drop if:

• your diet is low in iron — vegan and vegetarian diets are sometimes low in iron
• you suffer from a gastrointestinal disorder — like coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease

In females, heavy periods or blood loss during childbirth can cause low levels.

High ferritin

Certain conditions can cause your ferritin levels to increase, including:

• haemochromatosis (iron overload) — a condition that causes a build-up of iron
• hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• liver disease
• type 2 diabetes

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What are the most common symptoms?

Low ferritin Symptoms of low ferritin levels might include:

• extreme tiredness
• dizziness
• headaches
• unexplained weakness
• ringing in your ears
• irritability
• leg pains
• shortness of breath

High ferritin Symptoms of high ferritin levels might include:

• tiredness
• stomach pain
• heart palpitations or chest pains
• unexplained weakness
• joint pain

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What can I do to change my levels?

Low ferritin levels

If your diet is low in iron, try to include more iron-rich foods like:

• red meat
• dark green, leafy vegetables
• nuts
• raisins and dried fruit
• iron-fortified cereals

Combining plant-based sources of iron with vitamin C can help increase how much you absorb. Most fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamin C. Also, try to avoid too much tea, coffee, and milk as this can stop iron absorption.

If you're not able to get enough from your diet, an iron supplement might help. It's a good idea to get advice from a health professional before taking a supplement.

High ferritin levels If your levels are very high it's important to see your doctor — excess iron can lead to organ damage.

Lowering your ferritin levels will depend on what's causing them to increase. If you have haemochromatosis, phlebotomy (removal of blood) is the most common treatment. If you're taking an iron supplement, make sure you're not taking too much.