Ferritin: what it is, values and what high or low means
A protein that holds iron inside your cells. The small amount in your blood mirrors how full those stores are. Low ferritin is the earliest sign of falling iron, often before haemoglobin drops — a common reason for tiredness. A high value can reflect inflammation, liver strain or iron building up.
Values
Ranges vary by method. No optimal band is shown — none narrower than the lab’s is widely agreed.
| Type | Value | Units | Laboratory | Sex | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value awaiting review | 11–307 | ng/mL | Not specified | Women | Not specified |
| Value awaiting review | 24–336 | ng/mL | Not specified | Men | Not specified |
These values come from content awaiting review. The laboratory is unspecified and their classification as intervals, thresholds or targets has not been verified. Discuss the interval on your report with your doctor.
High and low
A high value can reflect inflammation, liver strain or iron building up. consult your doctor
Diet, blood loss (including periods), pregnancy and endurance training lower it. consult your doctor
What affects the result
- Diet, blood loss (including periods), pregnancy and endurance training lower it. Infection and inflammation can push it up for a while, so it is read with hs-CRP.
How we measure it
Not currently available in our profiles
Included in
Not currently available in our profiles