answersLogoWhite

0

Ferritin is produced in nearly every cell in the body. Ferritin is a large protein that stores up to 4,500 iron atoms in its core. Iron has to be stored because we only absorb 10% of iron from our food meaning it is difficult to obtain and iron tends to participate in harmful free radical forming chemical reactions. Iron also cannot exist in the body by itself. Each atom has to be attached to a protein or small molecule (chelator) at all times or it will precipitate out of solution and will form rust in the body somewhat similar to the form it exists when it is stored in ferritin. Thus the need for ferritin to be produced by nearly all cells in the body, so there can be a reserve of iron in the body to supply the much needed iron and remove excess iron that could be harmful.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Where does ferritin come from?

Ferritin is a protein complex that serves as the primary storage form of iron in the body. It is produced primarily in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Ferritin is synthesized in response to the body's iron levels; when iron is abundant, ferritin production increases to store the excess, while low iron levels lead to decreased synthesis. This protein helps regulate iron homeostasis and ensures a supply of iron for essential biological processes.


Where is ferritin located in blood?

Ferritin is primarily found in the blood as a protein complex that stores and releases iron. It is mainly present in the plasma, where it circulates, and is produced by various cells, including the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Ferritin levels in the blood can be measured to assess iron stores in the body and diagnose conditions related to iron deficiency or overload.


Which is major storage form of iron in the body?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. Hence, the body has a "buffer" against iron deficiency (if the blood has too little iron, ferritin can release more) and, to a lesser extent, iron overload (if the blood and tissues of the body have too much iron, ferritin can help to store the excess iron).


What is the best indicator of iron stores in the body?

Serum ferritin levels are considered the best indicator of iron stores in the body. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, so measuring its levels in the blood can provide valuable information about the body's iron status.


The iron-storage protein in muscle fiber liver cells and macrophages are?

The iron-storage protein in muscle fiber, liver cells, and macrophages is ferritin. Ferritin helps to store and release iron in a controlled manner to maintain iron balance in the body.


What will happened if sr ferritin level is 600?

If you have a ferritin level of 600, it means your levels are increased. This can be caused by an inflammatory disorder, liver disease, and too much iron in your body.


Which of these proteins functions to store or transport iron?

Ferritin is a protein that functions to store iron in the body. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood.


How are iron levels in the body measured?

Iron levels in the body are measured by both hemoglobin and serum ferritin blood tests.


Where is ferritin stored?

Ferritin is primarily stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It acts as a protein complex that stores iron and releases it in a controlled manner, helping to maintain iron homeostasis in the body. Additionally, smaller amounts of ferritin can be found in other tissues and cells, including muscles.


What does a ferritin level of 3 indicate?

A ferritin level of 3 ng/mL is considered very low and typically indicates severe iron deficiency. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, and low levels can suggest that the body's iron reserves are depleted, which may lead to anemia and related symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor. It's important for individuals with such low ferritin levels to seek medical evaluation and possible treatment to address the underlying cause of the deficiency.


What are routine tests with high ferritin levels?

Routine tests with high ferritin levels can be an indication of an iron storage disorder. One such disorder is hemochromatosis. This is a genetic disorder that results in iron-overload in the body.


Where is ferritin and hemosiderin stored?

Ferritin and hemosiderin are stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. They are primarily stored in the form of ferritin, a complex of iron and protein, with hemosiderin being a breakdown product of ferritin storage.