Which lifestyle factors change Ferritin?

Ferritin is the primary iron storage protein in the body. Lifestyle factors that alter ferritin levels include dietary iron intake (e.g., red meat, legumes, fortified cereals) and its bioavailability modulated by enhancers like vitamin C or inhibitors like tannins in tea/coffee. Blood loss—through menstruation, blood donation, or injury—depletes ferritin as iron is mobilized from stores. Chronic inflammation (e.g., obesity, autoimmune diseases, infections) raises ferritin as an acute-phase reactant, independent of actual iron status. Regular endurance exercise can transiently lower ferritin due to increased iron demand and micro-inflammation, while intense training may also cause a rise via inflammatory responses. Alcohol consumption, especially moderate to high intake, is associated with elevated ferritin, likely due to liver damage and inflammation. Altitude exposure and certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives) can also modulate ferritin. Importantly, ferritin reflects iron stores, not immediate iron availability; low levels indicate deficiency, high levels suggest iron overload (hemochromatosis) or inflammation. The evidence for these associations comes from epidemiological and clinical studies, but the provided context does not address ferritin. Therefore, the evidence level is human-moderate. Safety note: Self-supplementation with iron without medical evaluation can be harmful in cases of overload.