Effect of a mild infection on serum ferritin concentration - clinical and epidemiological implications

A study was conducted to examine the effect of a preceding mild infection on serum ferritin values by comparing the distribution of serum ferritin in those with and without a preceding infection in the last month. Results revealed that the prevalence of a recent infection is important in evaluating the prevalence of iron deficiency on the basis of serum ferritin measurements and in determining relationships between iron status and composition of the diet. The differences in prevalence of iron deficiency may be attributed to differences in prevalence of respiratory infections.