Ferritin (Iron) Test

Ferritin is a protein in cells that contains iron, it reflects the level of stored iron in the body.  Having enough iron stores is important, a ferritin deficiency can deplete iron stores quickly.

There are two types of iron found in food, haem and non-haem iron. Haem iron sources are found in foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood. Non-haem iron is found in lentils, eggs, fortified cereals, kale, spinach, and other plant foods. Haem iron is better absorbed than non-haem iron. Eating food high in vitamin C at the same time, can help absorb non-haem iron more effectively. Consuming tea, coffee, wine, or calcium rich foods when eating iron containing foods, may affect iron absorption.

Iron is important for haemoglobin synthesis (a protein that transports oxygen in red blood cells to body tissues), energy production; by converting food to ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for cellular energy, cell division, immune system, brain function, and regulating body temperature. The recommended intake of iron increases during pregnancy.

A low ferritin blood result suggests your iron stores are low, indicating a deficiency.  Iron deficiency can result from not eating enough iron rich foods, intestinal conditions that affect absorption, heavy bleeding e.g. excessive bleeding during menstrual cycle, internal bleeding. Low ferritin levels may lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

If your ferritin levels are high, it suggests that your body is storing too much iron, a condition called hemochromatosis. However, there are other causes for elevated ferritin levels.

This test measures the levels of Ferritin in the blood.

Finger prick, self-collection home testing kit. Full instructions included in testing kit Take your test first thing in the morning following an overnight fast. *samples must be posted back the same day using the free post address box.

Samples are analysed by a fully accredited laboratory. Accreditation by ISO15189, is the International Standard for Medical Laboratories.