What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and releases it when your body needs it. A ferritin blood test measures how much iron your body has in reserve. It is the most sensitive and specific test for iron deficiency, detecting low stores before anemia develops.

Why is it Important?

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood. Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores and is the earliest marker of iron deficiency — often appearing before hemoglobin drops. Conversely, high ferritin can signal iron overload, inflammation, or liver disease. Monitoring ferritin helps prevent and manage anemia and iron-related disorders.

Normal Ranges

Reference ranges vary significantly by sex.

Group	Range	Unit
Adult Male	24 – 336	ng/mL
Adult Female	11 – 307	ng/mL
Pregnant	> 30 (ideal)	ng/mL
Children (1–5 yr)	6 – 24	ng/mL

What Do Abnormal Results Mean?

Low Ferritin (Iron Deficiency)

Common causes include:

Iron-deficient diet (vegetarian/vegan diets)
Blood loss (heavy menstruation, GI bleeding)
Pregnancy (increased iron demands)
Malabsorption (celiac disease, gastric bypass)
Frequent blood donation

Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, brittle nails, restless legs, cold hands and feet.

High Ferritin

Common causes include:

Hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload)
Chronic inflammation or infection
Liver disease (hepatitis, fatty liver)
Alcohol abuse
Metabolic syndrome and obesity
Certain cancers (leukemia, lymphoma)

Note: Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant — it rises during inflammation regardless of iron status.

When Should You Get Tested?

Your doctor may order ferritin if you have symptoms of anemia (fatigue, weakness, pallor), heavy menstrual periods, are pregnant, follow a vegetarian diet, or have a family history of hemochromatosis. It is also used to monitor iron supplementation therapy.