Ferritin Levels: Could this be an indicator of life expectancy?

Jan 01, 2023

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. It is found in cells throughout your body, but is primarily stored in your liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Ferritin levels can be an indicator of your body's iron stores and are tested through blood. It is commonly checked as part of an anemia workup, and will be low in most iron deficient anemias.

High ferritin levels, however, can also present a problem. These can be caused by a number of factors, including excess iron intake, liver disease, certain medications, and certain types of cancer. High ferritin levels can also be a sign of inflammation in the body, and chronic inflammation can be devastating to countless processes in your body.

So how do your check your levels?

No fancy tests required! Any medical provider can order this test for you, just request it be added to your annual labs. Ferritin can be a valuable tracking tool for inflammation and other disease processes.

What if your levels are high?

Having high ferritin levels can have negative impacts on your health, including:

Increased risk of iron overload: Damaging to your organs and tissues, including your liver, heart, and pancreas.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: Ferritin levels can also impact the health of your mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures in your cells which can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other symptoms.
Inflammation: Could be an indicator of chronic inflammation, meaning greater risk for conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease.

How can you fix this?

Here are some steps that may be recommended to help lower ferritin levels and reduce health risks:

Limit iron intake: One of the primary ways to lower ferritin levels is to limit your intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, and seafood. Your healthcare provider may recommend a specific iron intake level based on your individual needs.
Stress management: High cortisol levels can disrupt normal processes in your body. Find 5 minutes twice a day to relax. Try journaling, deep breathing, sitting outside, etc.
Decrease inflammation through a healthy diet: An anti-inflammatory diet high in vegetables is key. A healthy diet can help lower ferritin levels and reduce health risks associated with high ferritin levels. This may include a diet low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower ferritin levels and reduce health risks associated with high ferritin levels. Walk daily, stand to work and take phone calls. Avoid sitting all day!
Avoid alcohol and tobacco use: Alcohol and tobacco use can worsen high ferritin levels and increase health risks. It is important to avoid these substances or to limit your intake if you do use them.
Monitor ferritin levels regularly: Regular monitoring of ferritin levels is important to ensure that they remain within a healthy range. Your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood tests to check your ferritin levels.

Preventive medicine is all about taking proactive steps to maintain and improve your health, rather than waiting until you become sick to seek treatment. This is especially important when it comes to managing chronic diseases, which are long-term conditions that cannot be cured but can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

Stay Healthi,

Hannah

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