Medical expert of the article
New publications
Ferritin in the blood
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
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 |
[