Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)›Ferritin

Ferritin in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)

In NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis), published studies report higher levels of Ferritin than in the reference group of the cited comparison (NAFLD vs normal/no iron overload). The source does not tie this marker to a specific symptom cluster, so it is best read as a biological signal rather than a symptom predictor. This entry summarises Padureanu et al. 2021. Group-level associations like this do not translate into an individual diagnostic cut-off.

↑ ElevatedOtherLOINC 2276-4

Summary

Direction in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group
CategoryOther
Compared againstNAFLD vs normal/no iron overload
Test typeBlood test (serum / plasma / whole blood)
LOINC code2276-4
SourcePadureanu et al. 2021 — doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10790
Condition atlasNAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) Biomarker Atlas

Other conditions where Ferritin is reported

See the cross-condition hub: Ferritin across conditions.

Related Other markers in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)

Full list: NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ferritin high or low in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher Ferritin in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) than in the reference group of the cited comparison (NAFLD vs normal/no iron overload). Source: Padureanu et al. 2021.

Which test measures Ferritin?

It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). The standard laboratory code is LOINC 2276-4. Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.

Is one abnormal Ferritin result diagnostic of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis). Ferritin findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Is Ferritin specific to NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

No. The same marker is also reported in Long COVID, PACVS in this atlas, so it reflects shared biology (for example inflammation or vascular stress) rather than a condition-specific signature.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Ferritin in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis): direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/nafld-mash-metabolic-associated-steatohepatitis/ferritin.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-03 · Page generated from nafld-mash-metabolic-associated-steatohepatitis.json · Browse: NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.