IRON: Anemia IDA, Non-Anemia NAID and High Ferritin

By SWA

Iron is an essential nutrient with numerous roles in the body, and iron deficiency can lead to various health problems, not just anemia.
Here’s a breakdown:

Roles of Iron in the Body

  1. Oxygen Transport: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
  2. Enzyme Functions: Iron is involved in the function of various enzymes and proteins that are essential for energy production and metabolism.
  3. Immune Function: Iron is crucial for a healthy immune system, helping to fight off infections and maintain immune responses.
  4. Brain Function: Iron is important for cognitive development and function. It plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis, which affects behavior and mood.

Consequences of Iron Deficiency

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA): This is the most well-known consequence, where there aren’t enough red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively, leading to fatigue, pallor, and weakness.
  • Non-Anemia Iron Deficiency (NAID): Before anemia sets in, iron deficiency can affect bodily functions such as muscle function, immune response, and brain function, potentially leading to symptoms like decreased cognitive performance, increased susceptibility to infections, and fatigue.

High Ferritin Levels and Their Implications

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, and its levels are commonly tested to assess iron stores. However, ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, meaning it can increase in response to inflammation in the body.

  • High Ferritin Levels Often Indicate Inflammation: Elevated levels can be indicative of an inflammatory process rather than an excess of iron. Common conditions associated with high ferritin levels due to inflammation include:
    • Liver Disease: Conditions like hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease can cause liver inflammation, leading to increased ferritin.
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation, particularly of the joints, which can elevate ferritin levels.
    • Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can lead to increased metabolism and inflammation, potentially increasing ferritin levels.

In summary, while iron deficiency is commonly associated with anemia, its effects are much broader, impacting various bodily functions and potentially leading to both anemia and non-anemia related health issues. Elevated ferritin levels, on the other hand, often do not indicate excess iron but rather the presence of inflammation, which can stem from various conditions. Understanding these nuances is important for accurately diagnosing and treating related health issues.

Read also: 

What is the most likely cause of high ferritin?

If a ferritin test shows high ferritin levels, it most often means swelling in the body, called inflammation. Conditions that can cause inflammation include liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism.

Ferritin test


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Toxic Skin Condition Post-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

By SWA
Image
Identifying Severe Skin Conditions Post-Vaccination Following administration of the BioNTech mRNA vaccine, a small subset of individuals may develop severe and complex reactions. These reactions are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood due to their rarity and diverse presentation. This essay examines a case characterized by severe skin conditions, systemic symptoms, and complications such as hypercalcemia and crystal formation. It highlights the need for accurate diagnosis, holistic management, and increased awareness of these rare but significant vaccine-related adverse events. Initial Symptoms and Misdiagnoses Severe symptoms began shortly after the first dose of the BioNTech vaccine, initially presenting as petechiae, diagnosed by a rheumatologist. However, following the second dose, symptoms rapidly escalated, resulting in intense burning pain and thinning of the skin. The skin on the legs and thighs became paper-thin and could tear with the slightest touch, with the affected area e...
Read more

Dysferlin Protein: Key Roles, Genetic Locations

By SWA
Image
The purpose of this article is to share and discuss the details of a new discovery, which is highlighted within: CRISPR-Cas9: A Breakthrough Tool to Repair the DYSF Gene The dysferlin protein plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of muscle cell membranes, particularly in tissues that endure significant mechanical stress, such as skeletal and cardiac muscles . Encoded by the DYSF gene , dysferlin is indispensable for repairing damaged cell membranes after injury caused by muscle contraction or external forces. This article explores the main locations where dysferlin is produced, its role in muscle repair, and supportive nutritional and therapeutic strategies for individuals with dysferlin deficiency, such as those affected by dysferlinopathies (e.g., Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B or Miyoshi Myopathy). Currently, there is no definitive answer as to why the severity of dysferlin protein expression or depletion varies. Do pathogens play a role in the methylation o...
Read more

Is ME CFS connected to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) or Post Polio?

By SWA
Image
Today, I understand why Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) received little attention, particularly in the mid-50s. This complex and debilitating genetic illness was poorly understood, and patients' symptoms were often minimized or even dismissed. For more information, please visit the Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) page on MalaCards . Even now, many neurologists lack detailed knowledge of SMA, and comprehensive examinations mentioned in research are rarely pursued. In 2008, while investigating permanent adrenal insufficiency, an MRI ordered by my endocrinologist unexpectedly revealed Chiari Malformation II. However, surgery in 2009 brought no improvement. In 2010, a DNA test showed a genetic marker in the ACTN3 gene: https://www.malacards.org/search/results?q=ACTN3%20gene%20and%20Spinal%20Muscular%20Atrophy%20(SMA) A 2015 MRI revealed ankylosing spondylitis, multiple Tarlov cysts, stenosis at L4 and L5, spinal canal narrowing, and widespread degenerative changes. Surgery on L4 and L5 ...
Read more