What is feritn?

Answer 1

It is a protein produced by the liver that binds to Iron.

Free iron is actually toxic to the body, BUT the body needs it for several things, especially in helping blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues. So to keep from knocking off a bunch of cells the body wraps up the iron in a big molecule of something called ferritin (it can also use something called hemosederin as well as a few other molecules/compounds).

We actually monitor ferritin levels in someone who we're concerned about anemia. If ferritin is low then Iron levels are usually low, which will eventually cause anemia (not enough red blood cells). If ferritin is high, there is plenty of iron in the blood.

So, if you want to raise your ferritin levels, increase your intake of iron (liver (blecch!), eggs, soy products, etc.).

Answer 2

first of all, ferritin is a protein. it's function is to restore iron (Fe) in body. iron sticks to this protein and along with this protein goes to liver, splieen and intestines and stay there. body iron is carried in the blood by another protein which is named transferrin. so you learn that iron cannot be moving alone. is this enough?
good luck
by the way remember that ferritin goes up in acute inflammation because liver produces lots of this protein in early stages of inflammtion and infection.

Answer 3

*Ferritin* is a protein found mainly in the liver that stores iron.