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).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | ng/ml (µg/l) |
| Reference Range | Women: 15–150 ng/ml | Men: 30–400 ng/ml |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
↓ What a low value means
Low ferritin 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 often reflects an acute-phase reaction in inflammation, infections, metabolic syndrome, or fatty liver. Very high values may indicate hereditary hemochromatosis, hemophagocytic syndrome, Still's disease, or hematologic malignancies. CRP and liver values are used for differentiation.
✓ What can influence this value
Ferritin is influenced by iron supply through the diet (meat, legumes, leafy greens), iron absorption in the gut (vitamin C can promote it, coffee and tea can inhibit it), blood loss, pregnancy, and preparations containing iron. Gut diseases such as celiac disease or an H. pylori infection can reduce absorption. As an acute-phase protein, ferritin rises with inflammation and with liver and metabolic diseases regardless of iron stores. The assessment is made by the treating doctor.
When to test
No fasting required. During or shortly after acute infections, ferritin can be falsely elevated because it is an acute-phase protein. It is measured when iron deficiency or iron overload is suspected, in high-risk groups (women with heavy periods, vegans, athletes), and during iron therapy. How often it is measured is decided by your doctor.
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 helps with interpretation: if it is elevated at the same time, this points more to an inflammatory reaction than to iron excess.
How does ferritin change during iron therapy? +
With iron preparations, hemoglobin usually rises first; ferritin follows more slowly because the stores only fill up afterwards. Whether and how treatment is given is decided by your doctor.
Is ferritin above 100 ng/ml too high for women? +
No — the reference range for women extends to 150 ng/ml. The laboratory's reference range applies; the doctor makes the assessment.
Does blood donation lower elevated ferritin? +
Yes. Regular blood removal lowers ferritin levels; in hereditary hemochromatosis or functional iron overload it is used therapeutically as phlebotomy. Whether and how treatment is given is decided by your doctor.
Ferritin
Sources
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.