What causes high ferritin and vitamin B12 levels?

Elevated ferritin and vitamin B12 levels may result from either physiological or pathological causes, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Targeted treatments are available. Specific analyses are as follows:

I. Physiological Causes

Excessive iron intake can lead to increased levels of ferritin and vitamin B12. When the body absorbs more iron than normally required, the excess iron is stored in ferritin, resulting in elevated serum ferritin concentrations. Meanwhile, high iron levels may inhibit the absorption and utilization of vitamin B12, leading to increased vitamin B12 levels. This condition typically does not require specific treatment.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Hepatitis

After hepatitis viruses invade liver cells, they trigger inflammatory responses that damage and destroy hepatocytes, leading to hepatitis. Viral infection causes liver cell destruction and inflammation, increasing the release of ferritin from the liver. Additionally, hepatitis virus infection may impair the liver's metabolism and transport of vitamin B12, resulting in its accumulation in the body. Treatment may include entecavir capsules, telbivudine tablets, ribavirin capsules, or other medications as prescribed by a physician.

2. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by fibrosis and hardening of liver tissue, caused by various factors such as fatty liver disease and long-term alcohol abuse. When liver tissue is damaged, hepatocytes release increased amounts of ferritin, elevating blood ferritin levels. Moreover, in cirrhosis, damaged or fibrotic liver cells may impair the synthesis and storage of vitamin B12, leading to its accumulation and increased serum vitamin B12 levels. After medical diagnosis, medications such as rifampicin tablets, adefovir capsules, and entecavir tablets may be used.

Besides the above, elevated ferritin and vitamin B12 levels may also be caused by conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, or liver cancer. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek timely medical attention.