What’s the Difference Between Ferritin and Iron?
Iron and ferritin are essential for transporting oxygen around the body and supporting energy. Low or high levels of either can affect your overall health. Understanding the difference between the two helps you monitor and maintain healthy iron stores.
Our Vitamins and Minerals tests include a ferritin check as part of a wider review of key nutrients linked to energy, immunity and overall wellbeing. This provides a clear picture of how well your body stores iron.
What is ferritin and why is it important?
Ferritin is a protein that stores and releases iron when the body needs it. It is found in cells in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and immune system, and makes up around 25% of total iron stores. Keeping ferritin at a healthy level is key for maintaining overall iron balance.
The body uses iron to make red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. Any iron not used immediately is stored as ferritin. Ferritin helps regulate the amount of iron in the blood so levels do not fall too low or rise too high.
Low ferritin suggests the body is struggling to store iron. This can lead to deficiencies such as iron deficiency anaemia, where the body cannot make enough red blood cells.
High ferritin can indicate iron overload or be linked to certain inflammatory conditions, including liver or renal disease or metabolic syndrome. Ferritin therefore plays a central role in reducing the risks of both deficiency and toxicity.
What is iron and what does it do in the body?
Iron is a mineral essential for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Keeping iron levels within a healthy range is important for overall health and energy.
Iron also supports growth, helps convert nutrients into energy and contributes to immune cell activity.
When iron levels fall too low, your iron stores begin to run out. This is known as iron depletion. Iron deficiency anaemia develops when iron drops so low that haemoglobin production decreases, meaning cells do not receive enough oxygen.
Common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include:
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Breathlessness
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Pale skin
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Loss of appetite
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Unusual food cravings such as eating dirt or ice
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Sweating
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Fatigue
Too much iron can also be harmful. It may be a sign of haemochromatosis, a hereditary condition that causes iron to build up in the body. If untreated, iron overload can damage the liver, joints, pancreas and heart.
Iron is absorbed from food and can also be taken as a supplement. In foods, iron comes in two forms: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is more easily absorbed.
Good sources of heme iron include:
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Red meat
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Liver
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Poultry
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Seafood
Good sources of non-heme iron include:
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Green leafy vegetables such as kale
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Nuts
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Tofu
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Beans
How do ferritin and iron work together?
Ferritin and iron work together to support healthy iron regulation. Iron is needed for haemoglobin production and energy metabolism, while ferritin stores and releases iron when required.
Ferritin acts as a reserve when blood iron levels drop and helps keep iron levels steady throughout the body.
During iron metabolism, most iron in the blood is transported to the bone marrow to support red blood cell production. Smaller amounts support other cellular processes. Any excess iron moves to the liver to be stored as ferritin.
This partnership ensures that iron is properly regulated so blood levels remain within a healthy range.
What are the key differences between ferritin and iron?
Ferritin and iron have distinct parts to play in the body. Here are a few of the key contrasting characteristics of ferritin and iron.
| Ferritin | Iron |
|---|---|
| A protein that stores iron in an inactive form | Is a mineral |
| 25% of iron is stored in ferritin form | 75% is found in haemoglobin, circulating throughout the body |
| Ferritin is mostly stored in cells in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and immune cells | In its active form, iron is found in the red blood cells in the bloodstream |
| Responsible for the absorption, storage, and release of iron | Involved in haemoglobin production, oxygen transport, and energy metabolism |
How can I test my ferritin and iron levels?
Testing ferritin and iron together gives a clear picture of your iron status. Ferritin helps show how much iron your body is storing, while iron levels indicate how much is circulating in your blood.
Ferritin is included within our Vitamins and Minerals tests which provide a wider look at key nutrients linked to energy, immunity and overall wellbeing. These checks include a ferritin measurement to help identify low or high iron stores before symptoms develop.
Your sample is taken at your appointment and analysed by one of our partner laboratories. Once ready, you will receive a detailed Results Report explaining your levels and what they mean for your health.
Need help? Call free on 0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.
Anna Jones
Chief Nursing Officer, BluecrestGraham Jones
Medical Writer
