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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Minerals

Ferritin: the meaning of your ferritin value

Ferritin is crucial for athletes as iron supports oxygen delivery to muscles. Low iron stores can significantly impact endurance, recovery, and overall training capacity.

Reference Ranges

Male
ug/l
Low 30 Normal 300 High
Female
ug/l
Low 15 Normal 150 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the amount of ferritin present in your body. Ferritin says something about the total amount of iron in the body. Having little iron may over time affect the production of red blood cells.

Why It Matters

Iron is important for oxygen transport, energy and your immune system. A ferritin test can help bring iron deficiency into view before anaemia develops, or iron overload that may strain organs over time.

Reference values differ per laboratory and per person; in adults they often lie somewhere between 25 and 250 micrograms per litre, and for some groups between 20 and 100. If values are abnormal, your GP may suggest further investigations.

The value is usually not viewed on its own. Your GP often also looks at iron, haemoglobin and transferrin to get a fuller picture. Consult your GP for personalised advice.

When to Test

A test can be useful if you experience fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness or shortness of breath. Women with heavy periods and active people may benefit from having their iron stores measured regularly.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Low ferritin (below 15–30 µg/L) indicates depleted iron stores. Symptoms include fatigue, concentration problems, pallor, dizziness, cold hands and feet, hair loss, brittle nails, and reduced exercise tolerance. In women, it can also lead to cravings for non-food substances (pica), such as ice or soil. Many people with low ferritin feel chronically tired without finding a clear cause.

High Levels

Mildly elevated ferritin (150–300 µg/L in women, 300–500 µg/L in men) can occur with inflammation, obesity, liver conditions, or excessive alcohol use, often without specific symptoms.

With significantly elevated ferritin (above 500–1000 µg/L) and an underlying cause such as haemochromatosis, symptoms may include joint pain (especially in the hands), fatigue, abdominal pain, darkened skin colour, and eventually liver and heart problems. Haemochromatosis develops slowly and is often only discovered in men between ages 40 and 60.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores. Consider iron supplementation and dietary iron increase (red meat, spinach).

If High

High ferritin may indicate inflammation, hemochromatosis, or liver disease. Consider CRP testing and comprehensive metabolic evaluation.

Female

If Low

Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores. Consider iron supplementation and dietary iron increase (red meat, spinach, fortified cereals).

If High

High ferritin may indicate inflammation, hemochromatosis, or liver disease. Consider CRP testing and comprehensive metabolic evaluation.

Lifestyle Tips

Include iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans and fortified cereals. Pair this with vitamin C to improve absorption. Avoid tea or coffee with meals, as they can reduce iron absorption.

If you want a broader view of your iron status, you can also combine this protein with an iron, haemoglobin or transferrin test. Always discuss supplements with your GP first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ferritin and iron?
Iron is the mineral itself, while ferritin is the storage protein for iron. This protein reflects your body's long-term iron reserves, making it a good indicator of your iron status. An additional iron test, together with the value, gives a fuller picture.
Can ferritin be high without iron overload?
Yes, this protein can be elevated due to inflammation, infection or liver disease, even without true iron overload. Your GP may order additional tests to clarify the cause.
How can I increase my iron stores naturally?
Eating iron-rich foods, pairing them with vitamin C, and avoiding inhibitors like tea and coffee with meals may help. Consult your GP before starting iron supplements.
What is the meaning of your ferritin value?
The meaning of your ferritin value is that it says something about your iron stores. A low value may point to little iron in the body, a high value to iron overload or inflammation. Your GP can help you interpret the result.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Complete Health

360 Health

Broad health panel: hormones, thyroid, vitamins, lipids, liver, kidney, and blood count.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol Liver Function Test (LFT) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Vitamin B12 Vitamin D (25-OH) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Ferritin HDL Cholesterol Albumin Complete Blood Count (CBC)
€346,-