Increased in:

• Hemosiderosis due to increased iron uptake
• Multiple transfusions
• Hemolytic anemia
• Pernicious anemia
• Aplastic or hypoplastic anemia
• Viral hepatitis
• Lead poisoning
• Thalassemias
• Some drugs: estrogens, ethanol, oral contraceptives

Decreased in:

• Iron deficiency
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Chronic renal failure
• Many infections
• Active hematopoiesis
• Remission of pernicious anemia
• Some malignancies (some carcinomas)
• Gastrectomy
• Nutritional (children and premenopausal women)
• Pregnancy
• Chronic blood loss due to bleeding