Symptoms of iron deficiency - fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, general feeling of weakness, decreased resistance to "common cold" illnesses, low muscle strength and performance, pale skin complexion.

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• The results will be displayed in minu.synlab.ee and terviseportaal.ee.
• To interpret the results, you may need to consult a healthcare professional.
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Ferritin is an iron depot protein found in liver, spleen and bone marrow cells. Its blood levels have a direct quantitative relationship with the human body’s main iron stores in these cells. Iron is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin, which ensures the transport of vital oxygen to tissues. In addition, iron is necessary for cell growth and development and the functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves. The ferritin test is very sensitive to iron-deficiency – blood levels decrease even before the onset of anaemia in the early stages of iron deficiency and along with changes in red blood indices indicate the possibility of anaemia. Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia in the world and is almost twice as common in women as in men. The recommended ferritin level is >45 ug/L.

Ferritin analysis should be performed if there are symptoms of iron deficiency – fatigue, faintness, drowsiness, general weakness, poor resistance to colds, poor muscle strength and performance, pale complexion of the skin.

Ferritin is also a so-called acute phase protein; its content increases in inflammation and, in this case, the normal or increased concentration of ferritin does not correctly reflect the body’s iron stores and must be taken into consideration when interpreting the test result. If inflammation and anaemia occur together, additional tests may be performed to determine the cause of the anaemia (see Anaemia panel).

Elevated values of ferritin indicate an excessive iron content that is harmful for the organism. Excess iron causes deposition syndromes and liver and pancreatic damage. The first complaint is usually joint pain.