What Is a Ferritin Blood Test?

Q: What Is a Ferritin Blood Test?

Ferritin measures iron stores. Below 12 ng/mL = depleted. Below 20 = deficient. Best single marker of iron status. Also rises with inflammation.

Ferritin is the protein that stores iron. It is the best single marker of iron status.

Normal Ranges

Men: 20–500 ng/mL
Women: 20–200 ng/mL
Optimal: 50–150 ng/mL
Below 12 = depleted

Low Ferritin

Iron deficiency
Chronic blood loss
Malabsorption
Vegetarian diet
Endurance exercise

High Ferritin

Inflammation (acute-phase reactant)
Hemochromatosis
Liver disease
Alcohol
Metabolic syndrome

Important

Ferritin rises with inflammation regardless of iron stores
Check CRP if inflammation suspected

Source: NLM MedlinePlus, AACC.

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