Myths vs facts: Eisen-Ferritin Selbsttest and Allergie

Myth: An iron-ferritin self-test can reliably diagnose allergies or fully assess iron status. Fact: Ferritin is an acute-phase protein that rises during inflammation, infection, and allergic reactions – an elevated level in a self-test does not necessarily reflect true iron stores. Conversely, a normal ferritin can mask iron deficiency if inflammation is present. Self-tests provide a single snapshot without clinical context. Reliable evaluation of iron deficiency or allergies requires additional markers (e.g., CRP, transferrin saturation, complete blood count) and a physician’s assessment. Marketing often implies a simple cause-effect that is not scientifically supported. Anyone with genuine allergy symptoms should consult an allergist rather than self-diagnose based on ferritin. Evidence: well-established physiology, but insufficient validation for self-test use.