What Is a Ferritin Blood Test?

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