Ferritin in the blood

Ferritin is a water-soluble iron hydroxide complex with an apoferritin protein. It is found in the cells of the liver, selesinka, red bone marrow and reticulocytes. In small amounts, ferritin is present in the serum, where it performs the function of transporting iron from the reticuloendothelial to the parenchymal cells of the liver.

Ferritin is the main human protein that deposits iron. Ferritin and hemosiderin contain 15-20% of the total amount of iron in the body. Although serum ferritin is present in small amounts, its concentration reflects iron stores. Low values of ferritin - the first indicator of a decrease in iron stores in the body. Determination of serum ferritin is used to diagnose and monitor iron deficiency or excess, differential diagnosis of anemia.

Reference values (norm) of ferritin concentration in blood serum

Age	Serum ferritin concentration, ng / ml (μg / l)
Newborns	25-200
1 month	200-600
2-5 months	50-200
6 months to 15 years	7-140
Adults:
Men	20-250
Women	10-120