Ferritin
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body; the level in the blood reflects the size of the iron stores.
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body, and the amount in the blood reflects how large the iron stores are. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the red blood cells. Ferritin also rises temporarily with inflammation, so it is often read together with other iron markers. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
Iron intake from food, menstrual blood loss, blood donation and iron supplements are the main factors. A recent cold or infection, hard training and alcohol can raise ferritin for a while. Tea, coffee and calcium taken with meals reduce how much iron is absorbed.
Foods that help
Meat, poultry, fish and shellfish give easily absorbed iron. Lentils, beans, tofu and whole grains give plant iron, which is absorbed better together with vitamin C from, for example, citrus, peppers or berries.
Foods to limit
Tea, coffee and calcium-rich foods at the same meal as iron-rich food reduce absorption. Large doses of iron supplements raise ferritin.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →