Ferritin
Iron storage protein in the blood
Also known as
Definition
Ferritin is the body's primary iron storage protein and reflects total iron reserves. Low levels indicate iron deficiency before red blood cell production is impaired. Elevated levels may signal inflammation, liver disease, or iron overload (hemochromatosis). Ferritin is the most reliable early marker of depleted iron stores.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | ng/ml (µg/l) |
| Reference Range | Women: 15–150 ng/ml | Men: 30–400 ng/ml |
| Optimal Range (lab2go) | > 70 ng/ml (lab2go Optimum Zone for energy metabolism and cognitive function) |
↓ What a low value means
Ferritin below 30 ng/ml signals depleted iron stores, often before anemia develops (hemoglobin still normal). Symptoms: chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, restless legs syndrome, reduced cold tolerance, and increased infection susceptibility. Women of childbearing age, vegans, competitive athletes, and those with chronic inflammatory bowel disease are particularly at risk.
↑ What a high value means
Elevated ferritin (> 300 ng/ml women, > 400 ng/ml men) often reflects an acute-phase reaction in inflammation, infections, metabolic syndrome, or fatty liver. Very high values (> 1,000 ng/ml) may indicate hereditary hemochromatosis, hemophagocytic syndrome, Still's disease, or hematologic malignancies. CRP and liver values are needed for differentiation.
✓ How to optimize this marker
For deficiency: iron-rich foods (meat, legumes, leafy greens) combined with vitamin C to boost absorption; avoid coffee/tea 1 hour before/after iron-containing meals. For clinically relevant deficiency (ferritin < 30 + symptoms): supplementation with ferrous iron compounds (e.g., ferrous sulfate 100 mg/day on alternate days for better absorption). Investigate causes when deficiency persists despite supplementation (celiac disease, H. pylori). Recheck after 3 months.
When to test
No fasting required. Do not measure ferritin during or shortly after acute infections (acute-phase protein — may be falsely elevated). For known deficiency: follow-up after 3 months of therapy. Screening interval: annually for high-risk groups (women with heavy periods, vegans, athletes).
Frequently asked questions
Can ferritin be elevated even without iron overload? +
Yes. Ferritin is an acute-phase protein and rises with inflammation, infections, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome even without true iron overload. CRP measurement helps interpretation: high CRP + high ferritin = inflammatory reaction, not iron excess.
How long does it take to replenish ferritin stores? +
With oral iron supplementation, ferritin normalization typically takes 3–6 months, even though hemoglobin levels rise after 4–6 weeks. Therapy should continue for at least 3 months after hemoglobin normalization.
Is ferritin above 100 ng/ml too high for women? +
No — the reference range for women extends to 150 ng/ml. Values between 70–150 ng/ml are considered optimal. Only above 300 ng/ml should an inflammation and hemochromatosis workup be performed.
Does blood donation lower elevated ferritin? +
Yes. Regular blood donation (3–4 times yearly) can effectively lower ferritin levels in hereditary hemochromatosis or functional iron overload and is used therapeutically.
Sources
Last Reviewed: May 28, 2026 · sina
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.