how high is too high for iron in the blood

[rosie913]

My husbands ferritin iron count is 729 is this very bad?

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. The body increases serum ferritin production when excess iron is absorbed, so serum ferritin levels are a good indication of the body's iron stores.

Normal feritin value fo men is : 15-400 ng/mL, which varies fom one laboratory to another. An excess of serum ferritin is generally agreed to be a bad thing. Iron stored at high levels is toxic. The body can only metabolize so much iron in a day. If it receives too much, the body is overwhelmed and toxic effects develop,a condition known as hemochromatosis.

Some diseases, including alcoholism, thalassemia, and some types of anemia that cause red blood cells to be destroyed, can also cause hemochromatosis. Also, if you have many blood transfusions, this can sometimes cause the body to store too much iron (acquired hemochromatosis). High ferritin levels may also be caused by liver disease (cirrhosis or hepatitis), Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, infection, inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis or lupus), or a diet that is too high in iron. Too much iron in body organs, such as the pancreas or heart, can affect how the organ works.  

Discuss this result with your doctor for proper management.  A complete medical history and physical examination must be done for proper evaluation. Take care and keep us posted.