top of page
Search

The Hidden Risks of High Ferritin: What Science Says

Writer's picture: Healing_ PassionHealing_ Passion

Did you know that elevated ferritin isn't just about iron overload? It can also signal chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, or immune activation!

🚨 Here’s why you should care, based on recent research findings:


🚀 Causes of High Iron Load:

🔹 Hereditary Hemochromatosis – Genetic mutations (HFE gene) lead to excessive iron absorption.

🔹 Chronic Inflammation & Hepcidin Activation – Conditions like obesity, liver disease, infections, and autoimmunity trap iron inside cells.

🔹 High Dietary Iron Intake – Red meat, fortified foods, and supplements can increase iron stores.

🔹 Repeated Blood Transfusions – Common in conditions like thalassemia.


🔥 The Dark Side of High Ferritin:

⚡ Oxidative Stress & Free Radicals – Excess iron can trigger inflammation, damage arteries, and contribute to insulin resistance.

⚡ Cardiovascular Disease – Iron-laden macrophages in vessel walls can fuel atherosclerosis.

⚡ Cancer Risk – Phlebotomy studies showed a 37% lower risk of visceral malignancies with iron reduction​).

⚡ Metabolic Syndrome & Diabetes – High ferritin levels correlate with insulin resistance & poor glucose control.


💡 The Benefits of Controlled Iron Reduction From Clinical Trials:

✅ Lowered Cancer Risk – Iron reduction by phlebotomy led to a 37% decrease in new cancers.

✅ Improved Insulin Sensitivity – Studies suggest phlebotomy improves glucose metabolism.

✅ Potential Cardiovascular Benefits – While overall effects were inconclusive, younger patients and those with lower ferritin levels showed better survival rates.

✅ Reduces Oxidative Stress – Lower iron = fewer free radicals and less cellular damage.

 

⚖️ Balance is Key!

Not all high ferritins are the same!

Identify the cause before reducing iron. Iron deficiency is just as harmful, so always work with a healthcare provider before considering phlebotomy, chelation, or dietary changes.


💬 Should routine ferritin checks be part of preventive health? ⬇️

 

Adams PC, Barton JC, Guo H, Alter D, Speechley M. Serum ferritin is a biomarker for liver mortality in the Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening Study. 2015; 14(3): 348-353.

Zacharski LR, Gerhard GS. Atherosclerosis: A manifestation of chronic iron toxicity? Vascular Medicine. 2003; 8: 153–155.

Zacharski LR, Chow BK, Howes PS, Shamayeva G, Baron JA, Dalman RL, Malenka DJ, Ozaki K, Lavori PW. Reducing iron stores lowers cancer risk in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Blood. 2007; 110(11): 2665.

Zacharski LR, Chow BK, Howes PS, Shamayeva G, Baron JA, Dalman RL, Malenka DJ, Ozaki CK, Lavori PW. Reduction of iron stores and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with peripheral arterial disease: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2007; 297: 603-610.

 Zacharski LR, Shamayeva G, Chow BK. Iron reduction response and demographic differences between diabetics and non-diabetics with cardiovascular disease entered to a controlled clinical trial. Metallomics. 2017.

Zacharski LR, Shamayeva G, Chow BK. Effect of controlled reduction of body iron stores on clinical outcomes in peripheral arterial disease. Am Heart J. 2011; 162: 949-957.e1.

 



 

6 views0 comments

Comments


Line ID: healingpassion

#M8-9 Premier Place Srinakarin, 618,  Samrong Nuea, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270. Tel: + 66 98-270 5460

bottom of page