Ferritin is a key biomarker for iron stores. In seniors, ferritin levels can be influenced by age-related factors: chronic inflammation, reduced kidney function, medications (e.g., anticoagulants), and lower dietary iron intake. Low ferritin may indicate iron deficiency anemia, which is common in the elderly due to gastrointestinal bleeding or malabsorption. However, elevated ferritin is not always a sign of iron overload; it can rise as an acute-phase reactant in inflammation, infection, or liver disease. Interpretation must consider clinical context, including CRP, transferrin saturation, and complete blood count. Evidence for specific ferritin reference ranges in seniors is limited; most guidelines extrapolate from adult data. Routine screening without symptoms is not recommended, but ferritin is a useful first test when iron deficiency or overload is suspected. Caveat: single finger-stick samples may vary, and labs use different assays. Abnormal results require clinical follow-up.
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