Ferratin levels

[kathy]

Does anyone know what high ferratin levels mean? Exactly what is ferratin?
Thanks.
Kathy

[Lolly]

I think it's high iron levels, but not sure.
hugs,
Lolly

[Linda in MI.]

Hi Kathie,

Ferritin refers to how much iron your organs such as your liver and kidneys are storing. However, because your liver has to detoxify so much when you are on chemo, your levels can be high then go back to normal after you are off chemo.

High ferritin can also be associated with a disease called hemochromatosis in which you inherit a defective gene, one from both parents and it can cause your body to store abnormal amounts of iron. The treatment is frequent blood donations to decrease it.

THe reason I know a lot about this is because my "circulating" iron as well as my TIBC (total iron binding capacity) are very high as well as my saturation level. I had the gene test done and found out I do not have hemochromatosis but Ido have one defective gene that causes my body to store ectra iron. This concerns me because cancer loves iron and excess iron produces free radicals. THere are a few things I'm going to work on with my holistic doctor after I recover what I'm going through right now.

Do you also have this problem? By the way, my ferritin was normal.

Blessings and Hugs,

LInda in MI.