Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your body’s cells. It also acts as an inflammation marker — so ferritin can rise either from true iron overload or from inflammatory or metabolic conditions. High ferritin does not automatically mean you have too much iron.
Is ferritin of around 300 considered high?
In many laboratories, ferritin above roughly 300 ng/mL in men or 150 ng/mL in women is considered elevated. Whether it is concerning depends on transferrin saturation, liver enzymes, CRP, and your clinical history.
Can inflammation cause high ferritin?
Yes. Ferritin often rises due to inflammation, infection, metabolic syndrome, or liver conditions. In these cases, transferrin saturation is usually normal or low, helping distinguish inflammation from iron overload.
Can high ferritin return to normal?
Ferritin can normalize once inflammation settles, liver health improves, or metabolic risk factors are addressed. If iron overload is confirmed, treatment such as therapeutic phlebotomy lowers ferritin effectively.
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