What role does Ferritin play in longevity?

Ferritin is the primary iron-storage protein and a key biomarker of iron homeostasis. Its role in longevity is complex: both iron deficiency and iron overload can accelerate aging through oxidative stress and inflammation. Elevated ferritin levels, often seen in hereditary hemochromatosis or chronic inflammation, are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration—all of which shorten healthspan. Conversely, low ferritin indicates iron deficiency, which impairs oxygen transport and mitochondrial function, potentially leading to fatigue, cognitive decline, and reduced resilience. The evidence linking ferritin directly to longevity is moderate and largely observational. Optimal ferritin ranges (30–150 ng/mL for women, 50–200 ng/mL for men) are suggested, but individual factors like inflammation, infection, and genetic variants (e.g., HFE mutations) must be considered. Consumer tests like MyBody-X can measure ferritin, but a single value without transferrin saturation and serum iron is insufficient for longevity assessment. The context provided does not contain specific information on ferritin; this answer is based on general scientific knowledge. Evidence level: human-moderate.