Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. It is a kind of safe depository that stores iron in a harmless form until it is needed for processes such as the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, which manifests as fatigue and weakness. However, too much iron can be toxic and lead to serious health problems. Ferritin therefore helps to keep the body’s delicate iron levels in balance.

How is ferritin measured and what are normal values?

The ferritin blood test measures the concentration of ferritin in the blood, which is a good indicator of iron stores in the body. It is a simple blood test in which a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and the serum is analyzed for ferritin levels. Normally no special preparations are required, but please follow the instructions of your doctor or the laboratory.

Normal ferritin levels vary depending on gender and laboratory, but are typically:

• Adult men: 30 to 300 ng/ml
• Adult women: 15 to 200 ng/ml

These ranges may vary slightly depending on the lab, so it is best to discuss the specific values with your doctor.

What do deviating ferritin values mean?

Low ferritin levels indicate that the iron stores in the body are low, which may indicate iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia. Possible causes are insufficient iron absorption from food, blood loss (e.g. due to heavy menstruation) or illnesses that impair iron absorption.

High ferritin levels can mean several things. One is that the body has too much iron, which is known as iron overload or hemochromatosis. This can be genetic or caused by taking too many iron supplements. However, high ferritin levels can also indicate inflammation, infection, liver disease or certain cancers, as ferritin is an acute phase protein that rises during inflammation or stress regardless of iron levels. It is therefore important to carry out further tests when ferritin levels are high in order to clarify the cause.

Why is the ferritin test useful?

The ferritin test is a valuable tool to assess iron stores in the body. It is often used in combination with other tests such as serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation to provide a comprehensive picture of iron metabolism. Whether you want to diagnose iron deficiency, monitor treatment for anemia, or check for iron overload, understanding your ferritin levels can offer important insights into your overall well-being. If you have concerns about your iron levels or are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue or weakness, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about getting a ferritin test.

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Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided in favor of better readability.