Is Ferritin useful for longevity?

Ferritin is an iron storage protein and a key biomarker of iron homeostasis. Moderate ferritin levels (30–150 ng/mL in women, 40–200 ng/mL in men) are considered favorable for longevity, as both iron deficiency and iron overload are linked to increased morbidity. Chronically elevated ferritin may indicate inflammation, hemochromatosis, or oxidative stress—factors that accelerate aging. Low ferritin leads to anemia, reduced oxygen delivery, and impaired mitochondrial function. However, the evidence is largely observational; randomized trials targeting ferritin for longevity are lacking. Some studies (e.g., PMID: 30808312) suggest a U-shaped association between ferritin and mortality. Caveat: Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant—elevated levels can also result from infection or chronic inflammation. Measuring ferritin alone without transferrin saturation and CRP is of limited value. For longevity strategies, maintaining a balanced iron status is reasonable, but supplementation without medical assessment is not recommended.