What is the Difference Between Iron and Ferritin?

The main difference between iron and ferritin is that iron is a mineral found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells in the body, while ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it when the body needs it. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Function: Iron is essential for various bodily processes, including oxygen transport, energy production, cell division, immune system, brain function, and regulating body temperature. Ferritin, on the other hand, is a protein that reflects the level of stored iron in the body and plays a vital role in the absorption, storage, and release of iron.
• Location: Iron is found in red blood cells and is stored as ferritin. Ferritin is mainly found in the liver, but it can also be present in the spleen, bone marrow, and muscles.
• Types of Iron: There are two types of iron found in food: heme iron (found in meat, poultry, and seafood) and non-heme iron (found in lentils, eggs, fortified cereals, kale, spinach, and other plant foods).
• Measurement: Ferritin levels are used to assess body iron stores, as it is a good indicator of how much iron is present in the body. Iron levels, along with transferrin and total iron binding capacity, are measured through blood tests to differentiate various types of anemias and establish iron stores.

In summary, iron is a mineral that plays crucial roles in various bodily processes, while ferritin is a protein that stores and releases iron as needed. Both iron and ferritin are essential for maintaining proper iron levels in the body.

Comparative Table: Iron vs Ferritin

Here is a table comparing the differences between iron and ferritin:

In summary, iron is a mineral essential for oxygen transport in the body, while ferritin is a blood protein that stores iron and indicates the amount of iron available in the body.