Myths vs facts: Ferritin Eisenmangel and longevity

Ferritin is the iron storage protein; low levels indicate depleted iron reserves, often before anemia develops. Myth: 'Low ferritin always means anemia' – Fact: ferritin drops first, hemoglobin may remain normal. Myth: 'Iron supplements boost longevity' – Fact: they correct deficiency but excess iron promotes oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially accelerating aging. Regarding longevity: observational data link high ferritin (iron overload) with increased mortality and age-related diseases, while low ferritin shows no consistent longevity benefit. The evidence for ferritin as a longevity marker is weak and mostly mechanistic. Single measurements are confounded by inflammation. Conclusion: ferritin is a useful screening tool for iron status, but not a standalone predictor of longevity.