Ferritin
Ferritin is the primary iron-storage protein in the body. Serum ferritin directly reflects the body's iron reserves. It is the earliest and most sensitive marker of iron deficiency — it drops well before hemoglobin falls.
Disclaimer. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation of test results.
Normal Ranges
| Group | Normal (µg/L or ng/mL) |
|---|---|
| Men | 30–400 |
| Women (reproductive age) | 10–150 |
| Women (postmenopausal) | 20–300 |
| Pregnant women | ≥ 30 (target level) |
| Children (1–15 y) | 7–140 |
Causes of Low Ferritin
- Iron deficiency — inadequate dietary intake, chronic blood loss (menstruation, GI bleeding)
- Celiac disease and other malabsorption conditions
- Intense physical exercise
- Pregnancy and lactation
Causes of High Ferritin
- Hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload)
- Acute and chronic inflammation (ferritin is an acute-phase protein)
- Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
- Malignancies (lymphoma, leukemia)
- Hemolytic anemias
- Frequent blood transfusions
Related Biomarkers
- Hemoglobin — drops with pronounced iron deficiency
- CRP — helps distinguish true deficiency from inflammation-driven ferritin elevation
- Glucose — iron overload is associated with insulin resistance
Ferritin and Inflammation
Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant. During infections and chronic inflammation, it can be normal or elevated even with true iron deficiency. Always interpret alongside CRP and transferrin for accurate assessment.
Monitoring
Tracking ferritin over time helps assess response to iron therapy and detect latent deficiency. Lissa Health automatically imports lab results and visualizes trends for key biomarkers.
FAQ
What ferritin level is optimal? Many experts consider 40–70 µg/L optimal for women and 70–150 µg/L for men, though lab reference ranges may differ.
Can ferritin be normal with iron deficiency? Yes, with concurrent inflammation or liver disease, ferritin may be "falsely normal."
Last updated: June 2026