FERRITIN
INTERPRETER
Ferritin is the primary iron storage protein in your body. Enter your value to understand what it means for your iron status and overall health.
// ENTER YOUR VALUE
Also reported as mcg/L (same value)
Reference ranges differ by sex
Athletes may need higher ferritin levels
// INTERPRETATION
YOUR FERRITIN
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ng/mL
Enter your ferritin value to see interpretation.
LAB REFERENCE
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OPTIMAL RANGE
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Note: Ferritin is also an acute phase reactant and can be elevated during inflammation or infection, which may mask iron deficiency.
// FERRITIN_RANGES
REFERENCE & OPTIMAL RANGES
| CATEGORY | MALE | FEMALE (PREMENOPAUSAL) | FEMALE (POSTMENOPAUSAL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deficient | <30 | <20 | <30 |
| Low | 30-50 | 20-40 | 30-50 |
| Optimal | 50-150 | 40-100 | 50-150 |
| Athletes (target) | 100-150 | 70-100 | 100-150 |
| Elevated | >300 | >200 | >300 |
// IRON_SCIENCE
UNDERSTANDING FERRITIN
WHAT IS FERRITIN?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and releases it when needed. Your ferritin level reflects how much iron your body has in reserve. It's the most sensitive early marker of iron depletion.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW FERRITIN
- Fatigue: Even before anemia develops
- Hair loss: Iron is crucial for hair follicles
- Poor exercise tolerance: Reduced oxygen delivery
- Restless legs: Associated with iron deficiency
- Brittle nails: Koilonychia (spoon nails) in severe cases
- Brain fog: Iron is needed for neurotransmitter synthesis
CAUSES OF LOW FERRITIN
- Blood loss: Menstruation, GI bleeding, frequent blood donation
- Poor absorption: Celiac disease, low stomach acid, H. pylori
- Inadequate intake: Vegetarian/vegan diets, restrictive eating
- Increased needs: Pregnancy, intense endurance training
CAUSES OF HIGH FERRITIN
- Inflammation: Ferritin rises as an acute phase reactant
- Liver disease: Hepatocytes release ferritin when damaged
- Hemochromatosis: Genetic iron overload disorder
- Metabolic syndrome: Associated with elevated ferritin
- Excessive supplementation: Over-supplementing iron
COMPLETE IRON PANEL
Ferritin alone doesn't tell the whole story. For a complete picture, consider:
- Serum iron: Circulating iron levels
- TIBC: Total iron binding capacity
- Transferrin saturation: % of transferrin carrying iron
- Hemoglobin: For anemia diagnosis
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Important: This tool is for educational purposes only. Ferritin levels must be interpreted by a healthcare provider in context with other iron studies and your health history. Do not start or stop iron supplements without medical guidance, as excess iron can be harmful.