Ferritin, Human liver

Human Ferritin is a globular protein found mainly in the liver, which can store about 4,500 iron ions in a hollow shell made of 24 identical subunits. Inside the human ferritin shell, iron ions form crystallites together with phosphate and hydroxide ions. Human Serum ferritin levels are measured in patients as part of the iron studies workup for anemia and for restless leg syndrome. Human ferritin levels have a direct correlation with the total amount of iron stored in the body. Human Ferritin levels are also indicative of the erosion of iron stores during pregnancy.