What does high ferritin indicate?

Under normal circumstances, ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Elevated ferritin levels may indicate various conditions, such as long-term excessive iron supplementation, overconsumption of iron-rich foods, alcoholic liver disease, hemochromatosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. If abnormalities are detected, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Long-term excessive iron supplementation

Long-term overuse of iron supplements can overwhelm the body's absorption capacity, causing excess iron to be stored in the form of ferritin, thereby increasing ferritin levels. It is important to follow medical advice to reduce iron dosage or discontinue supplementation, undergo regular follow-up testing of ferritin levels, and avoid blind iron supplementation.

2. Overconsumption of iron-rich foods

Consistently consuming large amounts of iron-rich foods such as animal liver and blood products leads to excessive iron intake, which promotes increased ferritin synthesis. Adjust dietary habits by reducing intake of high-iron foods, increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a balanced diet.

3. Alcoholic liver disease

Chronic alcohol consumption damages the liver. Injured liver cells release ferritin, and impaired liver function disrupts ferritin regulation, leading to elevated levels. Complete abstinence from alcohol is essential. Under medical guidance, medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, silybin capsules, and diammonium glycyrrhizinate enteric-coated capsules may be prescribed. A light, healthy diet is also recommended.

4. Hemochromatosis

This condition involves abnormal iron metabolism, resulting in excessive iron deposition in the body, particularly in organs like the liver, leading to increased iron storage and elevated ferritin levels. Under medical supervision, treatments may include deferoxamine injection, deferiprone tablets, or deferasirox dispersible tablets. In severe cases, phlebotomy (venesection) may be required. Regular monitoring of ferritin levels and organ function is necessary.

5. Rheumatoid arthritis

Chronic inflammation stimulates the body to produce more ferritin as part of the inflammatory response, leading to persistently elevated ferritin levels over time. Under medical guidance, medications such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, and sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets may be used. Adequate rest and avoiding excessive joint strain are also important.

In daily life, iron supplementation should be reasonable and not done indiscriminately; maintain a balanced diet and control intake of iron-rich foods; limit or avoid alcohol to protect the liver; undergo regular health check-ups to monitor ferritin levels; and actively treat chronic inflammatory conditions to minimize their impact on the body.