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Minerals

Ferritin: Normal Values and What a Low Ferritin Means

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

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
ug/l
Low 30 Normal 300 High
Female Your group
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.

Check your own value

What It Measures

This test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores, while high ferritin may suggest iron overload or inflammation.

Why It Matters

Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. Ferritin testing helps detect iron deficiency before anaemia develops, or iron overload which can damage organs. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Women with heavy menstrual periods and active individuals may benefit from regular ferritin monitoring.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Symptoms of low ferritin may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, brittle nails, hair loss, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Low ferritin can precede iron-deficiency anaemia.

High Levels

High ferritin may be associated with joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, and skin discolouration. Elevated levels can indicate iron overload, liver disease, or chronic inflammation.

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 iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources to enhance absorption. Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as they can reduce iron absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ferritin and iron?
Iron is the mineral itself, while ferritin is the storage protein for iron. Ferritin reflects your body's long-term iron reserves, making it a better indicator of overall iron status.
Can ferritin be high without iron overload?
Yes, ferritin can be elevated due to inflammation, infection, or liver disease, even without true iron overload. Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to clarify the cause.
How can I increase my ferritin levels naturally?
Eating iron-rich foods, pairing them with vitamin C, and avoiding inhibitors like tea and coffee with meals may help. Consult your healthcare provider before starting iron supplements.

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) Total Testosterone Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Ferritin HDL Cholesterol Albumin Total Cholesterol Basic Blood Count
€346,-
Health Checkups

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-

Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€499,-

Ferritin

€28,-