How are Ferritin and Langlebigkeit related?

Ferritin, the primary iron storage protein, has a U-shaped relationship with longevity. Both iron deficiency (low ferritin) and iron overload (high ferritin) are linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Low ferritin causes anemia, fatigue, and impaired immunity, reducing healthspan. High ferritin – as seen in hemochromatosis – drives oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ damage (liver, heart, pancreas), accelerating aging and shortening lifespan. However, ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant; elevated levels can result from inflammation, infection, or malignancy without true iron overload. Therefore, a single ferritin measurement is insufficient for longevity assessment; transferrin saturation and CRP are needed. MyBody-X includes ferritin in its biomarker panel, but interpretation requires clinical context. Evidence: human-moderate (observational studies, no RCTs).