Optimal - The Blog
August 11, 2025
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, and a very high blood ferritin level (700+ ng/mL) usually signals either excess iron or another underlying issue.
When routine tests for inflammation, liver and kidney health, and iron balance all look normal, it means the cause isn’t straightforward.
Several less obvious factors can drive ferritin up even when “standard” markers appear healthy.
Possible Causes to Explore
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Hidden Iron Overload: Genetic conditions like hemochromatosis or repeated blood transfusions can load the body with iron without always disturbing basic iron tests.
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Liver Stress or Injury: Even early-stage liver damage (from fatty liver or mild alcohol use) can raise ferritin before other liver enzymes change.
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Silent Inflammation or Infection: Ferritin acts like a smoke detector—it rises sharply during acute infections or hidden inflammation (e.g., an undetected viral illness).
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Blood Cell Disorders: Certain anemias (like hemolytic or sideroblastic anemia) and bone marrow issues can elevate ferritin despite normal iron saturation.
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Other Conditions: Cancers, metabolic syndromes (like insulin resistance), and rare storage diseases may all bump ferritin higher without obvious lab red flags.
Want to Learn More?
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to learn more about Elevated ferritin, health consequences, etc.
