Ferritin

An iron-protein complex, formed by the union of ferric iron with apoferritin, containing up to 23% iron

Description
Ferritin is found in the intestinal mucosa (regulates iron transport from the intestinal lumen to plasma), spleen and liver (functions as an iron-storage molecule). Though generally intracellular, ferritin is found in the blood serum, with its serum levels indicating iron levels (iron load) in the body. Its serial measurement (rather than isolated time-point values), showing a trend over time, can therefore help monitor the degree of iron overload and compliance to the chelation regimen in patients with transfusional iron overload.