High ferritin levels usually point to excess iron and acute or chronic inflammation.Common causes of high ferritin are obesity, heavy drinking, and inflammation. Patients with moderately high levels may have no symptoms, and could feel generally healthy. Iron is very essential for the normal functioning of the body. You may feel a burning sensation on your A ferritin blood test can also help your doctor figure out whether your body is storing too much iron. A doctor may evaluate a patient for an iron storage disorder on the grounds of family history, symptoms, or a desire to be very thorough with a physical examination.If a patient has high ferritin levels, the doctor needs to determine why, to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Ferritin captures and buffers the iron within cells and is very important for good health [Low ferritin levels signal that the body’s iron stores are low. High ferritin levels can also result from things like obesity and inflammation. She believes that SelfHacked has the best science that is also layperson-friendly on the web.Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The blood will be labeled and sent to a lab.Like other routine blood tests, the ferritin test is considered safe. It can be an indicator for malignancy, coronary artery, sideroblastic anemias, neurodegenerative disorders or hemophagocytic syndrome.Elevated ferritin levels can either mean excessive iron in the blood or an acute inflammatory reaction. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word.

However, when women smoke during pregnancy, their newborn infants have lower iron stores than those of non-smoking mothers [Tobacco smoking was associated with elevated ferritin concentrations in Parkinson’s disease patients (in this setting smoking had a beneficial effect) [Hemochromatosis is a common cause of high ferritin. A doctor can order a blood test to check on levels of this compound if she suspects a patient may have a disorder related to abnormal ferritin levels. is a clickable link to peer-reviewed scientific studies. Your doctor may adjust your diet or WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. She finally had genetic testing done which tested positive for this condition. In women, ferritin levels usually hover between 13 and 150 nanograms per milliliter, while men have a slightly higher range, from 30 to 400 nanograms per milliliter. The main genetic cause is hemochromatosis. If your ferritin is high, talk to your physician as soon as possible. It can be an indicator for malignancy, coronary artery, sideroblastic anemias, neurodegenerative disorders or hemophagocytic syndrome.Iron is very essential for the normal functioning of the body. Its function is to store iron and release it in a controlled manner.As mentioned above, free iron that is absorbed by the body is toxic to cells. Any rise or fall in its level may result in numerous health issues.Would you like to write for us? Around 1 year of age, ferritin levels begin to rise again . exciting challenge of being a wiseGEEK researcher and writer. A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body is storing.If a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body's iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency.If a ferritin test shows higher than normal levels, it could indicate that you have a condition that causes your body to store too much iron.

Find out why it is important to keep this protein in balance, and which factors increase or decrease ferritin levels.Iron has many important roles in our bodies: it helps make red blood cells and is needed for muscle and heart cells to produce energy. Clear answers for common questions It also acts as an enzymatic co-factor in several other reactions. As the levels rise and the condition becomes chronic, the patient will start to experience increasing symptoms. It is mostly determined when a blood test is conducted to check the levels of ferritin in the body. Home / General Health / High Ferritin Levels Elevated ferritin levels can either mean excessive iron in the blood or an acute inflammatory reaction. He or she should diagnose and treat the underlying condition that may be increasing your ferritin levels.Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulate the production of ferritin, which, in relation to inflammation/infection, acts as an acute phase reactant [Circulating ferritin production is increased by the cytokinesThere was a positive relationship between wine intake and concentrations of both ferritin and iron in the blood [In alcohol abuse, ferritin levels are elevated and rapidly decrease with alcohol abstinence [Women who smoke have higher ferritin and higher body iron compared to nonsmoking women. Knowing these levels helps a doctor diagnose a … He was treated for many years with phlebotomy, but in his 50s developed progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, free iron has toxic effects on the body.