Travel to Health

Iron overload —a buildup of extra iron—without treatment can permanently damage organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas; endocrine glands; and joints. [23] Excess Iron can also increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and premature death. [24] In this article, we will cover the following topics: Negative health effects of iron overload Benefits of blood donation for most people Note that  always consult a physician for ferritin testing, full iron panel, and any phlebotomy/donation plan. Self-managed aggressive reduction risks anemia. Serum Ferritin Test Ferritin  is a protein that stores iron and acts as a buffer against iron deficiency and iron overload. It is found in most tissues as a cytosolic protein, but small amounts are secreted into the  serum  where it functions as an iron carrier. Therefore, plasma ferritin is a good indirect marker of the total amount of iron stored in your body. However, ferritin is also an acute-phase react...