serum ferritin

[aquaman]

hi all

What does this measure show?

I noticed on blood tests I had done last year, my serum ferritin was at 57ng/ml (on a range of 40-300), so on the low side. I've seen recommendations elsewhere for more than 100.

Thanks

 

[aguilaroja]

There are lots of threads about iron. Ferritin is one indication of the amount of iron is storage. (% Saturation is another.) Unless there is a specific issue, it seems wiser to be on the low side of the range, rather than the high side. Humans are generally good at conserving iron, so with an abundant diet, there is potential for overload. Some donate blood specifically to avoid iron excess.

http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/iron-dangers.shtml

viewtopic.php?f=56&t=1995

 

[narouz]

Just noted on another thread
that Peat told me my (at the time) very high ferritin levels
could be caused by the zinc supplement I was taking.

 

[golder]

Just noted on another thread
that Peat told me my (at the time) very high ferritin levels
could be caused by the zinc supplement I was taking.

So zinc increased your ferritin?
Presumably copper decreased your ferritin?