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Ferritin
24-subunit iron storage protein that sequesters up to 4,500 iron atoms in a hollow ferrihydrite core; serum ferritin reflects body iron stores and is also an acute-phase reactant.
Cellular ferritin protects against iron-catalyzed oxidative damage by buffering labile iron. Serum ferritin below 15-30 ng/mL is diagnostic of iron deficiency; in inflammation, ferritin rises non-specifically, obscuring iron status. MNHD notes the clinical pitfall of using a single ferritin value in the setting of obesity, infection, or chronic disease without paired CRP.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 10: Iron
Cellular ferritin protects against iron-catalyzed oxidative damage by buffering labile iron. Serum ferritin below 15-30 ng/mL is diagnostic of iron deficiency; in inflammation, ferritin rises non-specifically, obscuring iron status. MNHD notes the clinical pitfall of using a single ferritin value in the setting of obesity, infection, or chronic disease without paired CRP.
Related terms
CRP, Iron deficiency anemia, Transferrin