Ferritin
The lack of iron is one of the most common deficiencies worldwide, which can lead to anemia, fatigue, paleness, hair loss, brittle nails, and increased susceptibility to infections. Changing your diet or taking appropriate dietary supplements can help compensate for the deficiency. With our iron deficiency test, you can have the concentration of ferritin, the storage form of iron, in your blood determined. The result gives you an indication of a possible iron deficiency.
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Professionelle Probenentnahme vor Ort in der Apotheke
Einfache Kapillarblutentnahme innerhalb von 2 Minuten
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Labor-Ergebnisse als PDF oder online
Fragen und Antworten zu Ferritin
What is the respective laboratory value?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and serves as an important marker for the body's iron reserves. The laboratory value measures the concentration of ferritin in the blood and is often used to diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload.
For whom is such a test to be considered?
A ferritin test is recommended for: Persons with symptoms such as fatigue, paleness or shortness of breath (indication of iron deficiency anemia) Women with heavy menstrual bleeding Pregnant or breastfeeding women (high iron requirement) People with chronic diseases (e.g. chronic kidney failure or inflammatory bowel diseases) Persons suspected of having hemochromatosis (a genetic disease with iron overload)
What is it used for?
The test helps to evaluate the body's iron supply. Ferritin is a sensitive marker for iron deficiency, even before anemia develops. In case of suspected iron overload, the test also provides valuable clues.
What can be inferred from that?
A low ferritin value indicates an iron deficiency, which is often caused by blood loss, unbalanced diet, or malabsorption. Symptoms of iron deficiency are: Fatigue and reduced performance Pale skin Brittle nails or hair loss An elevated ferritin value can indicate iron overload, inflammation, or chronic diseases such as liver diseases.
What is the ideal time for a test?
A test is useful in the case of symptoms of iron deficiency or in risk groups, such as women with heavy bleeding, pregnant women or people with chronic illnesses. The test can be carried out at any time of the day and is independent of food intake.
Particularly interesting?
Ferritin is a so-called acute phase protein value and can be elevated in inflammation or infection, even if there is no iron overload. An investigation of conspicuous ferritin values should therefore be carried out, if necessary, in the context of other iron parameters such as transferrin. Vegetarians and vegans often have lower iron values, as plant-based iron is less efficiently absorbed.