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Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. A "high ferritin" result means your stored iron is high, or your body is reacting to stress, illness, or liver problems. This page explains what a high number can mean and what to do next.
Last reviewed: September 2025
Ferritin, TSAT, iron panel, CBC, and more.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin shows how much iron your body has in storage. It is not the same as iron in your blood that moves day to day. Ferritin can go up when iron stores go up. It can also go up when your body is inflamed or sick.
Related reading: Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) · Hemochromatosis Guide
Why Ferritin Can Be High
- Iron overload (too much iron stored)
- Inflammation or infection (ferritin rises as a "stress" signal)
- Liver problems
- Metabolic issues (for example, obesity, fatty liver)
- Recent hard exercise or illness
- Iron pills or multivitamins with iron
What to Test Next
- TSAT (transferrin saturation): helps tell if iron is truly high
- Iron panel: iron, TIBC or UIBC
- CBC: checks red blood cells
- Liver enzymes: if your clinician advises
Ready to follow up? Order an iron panel →
How to Read Results Together
- High ferritin + high TSAT: may point to iron overload
- High ferritin + normal or low TSAT: more likely from inflammation or other causes
- Repeat tests when you are well if you were sick during testing
When to Act
- Talk to a clinician if ferritin stays high on repeat tests
- If iron overload is suspected, they may check the HFE gene
- Do not take iron unless told to do so
FAQs
Can exercise raise ferritin?
Yes. Hard workouts can raise ferritin for a short time. Retest when you are rested and well.
Does high ferritin always mean iron overload?
No. It can also rise with inflammation or liver problems. TSAT helps tell the difference.
Should I change my diet?
Ask your clinician. Some people limit iron-rich foods or time vitamin C away from iron-rich meals.
Educational content only. Not medical advice.