How is ferritin level typically affected in patients with iron deficiency anemia?

In patients with iron deficiency anemia, the ferritin level is typically decreased. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, and low levels of ferritin indicate that the body's iron stores are depleted. In cases of iron deficiency anemia, the body does not have enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, which is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood. As a result, the ferritin concentration, which reflects the overall iron stores, becomes diminished.

This reduction is critical for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia since measuring ferritin levels helps healthcare providers confirm the deficiency and differentiate it from other types of anemia that may not involve iron deficiency. While various physiological factors can influence ferritin levels, in the context of pure iron deficiency anemia, the consistent finding is a decrease in ferritin levels.