Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFerritin and IronMeasuring FerritinTesting for Ferritin LevelsTreatment If Off BalanceWhen to Check Iron
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ferritin and Iron
Measuring Ferritin
Testing for Ferritin Levels
Treatment If Off Balance
When to Check Iron
Ferritinis a protein that binds to iron, an important mineral needed for red blood cells to circulate oxygen throughout the body. Your ferritin blood concentration can be measured, and the result reflects your iron levels. High or low ferritin levels can occur with a variety of medical conditions.
Your ferritin concentration can help diagnose various disorders when used in conjunction with other screening tools.
This article describes the role of ferritin and what you should expect if your ferritin levels are not normal.
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Ferritin Protein and Iron Storage
Iron, a mineral, is an essential component ofhemoglobinin red blood cells and myoglobin in muscles. Iron binds to ferritin in other cells and in the blood circulation.
Ferritin plays a role in regulating the body’s use of iron.This protein may also play a role in the health and survival of various types of cells throughout the body, such as in the nervous system.Researchers are learning more about ferritin and how this protein affects health and disease.
The Difference Between Ferritin and Iron
The following are differences between iron and ferritin:
Measuring Ferritin: What’s Normal?
The concentration of ferritin in your bloodstream can be measured with a blood test. Typically, ferritin concentration is used to assess iron levels in the body.
Having ahigh iron levelor alow iron levelis often a sign of disease. When iron is too high or too low, it can cause symptoms and harmful effects in the body. Additionally, sometimes high or low ferritin levels may be associated with medical conditions that are not directly correlated with iron levels.
Normal ferritin levels range between 12 and 150 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for females and from 15 to 200 ng/mL for males.These are equivalent units to micrograms per liter (mcg/L). Health organizations may use either one or the other units.
However, medical conditions can cause higher or lower ferritin levels. For instance, people with an infection, inflammatory reaction, or an underlying medical illness would be expected to have a high ferritin level until the illness resolves.
So, high ferritin levels might not be an indication of iron overload in these circumstances.The ferritin level threshold for consideration of iron deficiency is higher under these circumstances, too.The following chart is based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Low Ferritin Levels
Generally, low ferritin levels are a reflection of low iron. An iron deficiency can develop due to a number of causes, such as acute or chronic bleeding, blood disorders, low dietary iron or low iron absorption, and chronic medical illness, such as cancer.
Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia (low levels of healthy red blood cells), but there are also other causes ofanemiabesidesiron deficiency anemia.
High Ferritin Levels
High ferritin levels can be an indication ofiron overload, or they may occur even when iron levels are normal or low.
Hemochromatosisis a hereditary condition that can cause iron overload.Repeated blood transfusions can also cause iron overload.
Sometimes, medical illnesses can cause high ferritin levels without iron overload. Hypertension (chronic high blood pressure), cancer, diabetes, and liver disease may raise ferritin levels, but these conditions do not always have this effect.
Low Iron/High Ferritin and High Ferritin/Low IronUsually, iron and ferritin levels arebothelevated orbothdeficient—but there are some exceptions.Low ferritin can be a consequence of:Iron deficiencyEarly-stage iron deficiency with normal serum iron levelIt is uncommon to have low ferritin if your iron level is high or normal.Elevated ferritin can be a consequence of:Iron overloadInfectionInflammationIllnessYou can have high serum ferritin with iron deficiency if you have an infection, inflammation, or illness.
Low Iron/High Ferritin and High Ferritin/Low Iron
Usually, iron and ferritin levels arebothelevated orbothdeficient—but there are some exceptions.Low ferritin can be a consequence of:Iron deficiencyEarly-stage iron deficiency with normal serum iron levelIt is uncommon to have low ferritin if your iron level is high or normal.Elevated ferritin can be a consequence of:Iron overloadInfectionInflammationIllnessYou can have high serum ferritin with iron deficiency if you have an infection, inflammation, or illness.
Usually, iron and ferritin levels arebothelevated orbothdeficient—but there are some exceptions.
Low ferritin can be a consequence of:
It is uncommon to have low ferritin if your iron level is high or normal.
Elevated ferritin can be a consequence of:
You can have high serum ferritin with iron deficiency if you have an infection, inflammation, or illness.
How to Tell If Ferritin Levels Are Not Normal
The symptoms of abnormal ferritin levels are nonspecific, which means that they are not specific to a single medical condition.With high or low ferritin levels, you may experience fatigue, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.
Low Ferritin Symptoms
In addition to feeling tired, dizzy, and having trouble sleeping and concentrating, you may experience symptoms of low iron if your ferritin is low.
Symptoms of low iron may include:
If your ferritin and iron levels are low due to a medical illness, you will also develop symptoms of that illness.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
High Ferritin Symptoms
High ferritin due to iron overload can cause symptoms of iron overload.
Iron overload symptoms include:
A Blood Test Detects Ferritin
Ferritin and iron levels are measured with a blood test. Underlying conditions can usually be diagnosed with a variety of tests. Risk factors, symptoms, and physical examination would guide the specific testing.
How to Tell If You Have an Abnormal Ferritin LevelYou can’t specifically “feel” symptoms of abnormal ferritin. But if you have had low or high ferritin in the past, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider for guidance about which symptoms to watch out for—they could be indications that your condition is getting worse.
How to Tell If You Have an Abnormal Ferritin Level
You can’t specifically “feel” symptoms of abnormal ferritin. But if you have had low or high ferritin in the past, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider for guidance about which symptoms to watch out for—they could be indications that your condition is getting worse.
Treatment to Balance Ferritin
In general, ferritin levels are not directly treated, but you may need treatment for abnormal iron levels or for the underlying disease that’s causing abnormal ferritin levels.
Treatment for iron deficiency can includeiron supplementationor blood transfusion. Interventions for high iron levels may include atherapeutic phlebotomy, which is removal of blood through the vein to lower overall iron levels in the body.
When to Check Iron Levels
It’s difficult to know whether you have an abnormal ferritin level based on symptoms. However, if you have any of the symptoms associated with abnormal ferritin levels—fatigue, dizziness, joint pain, or feeling cold—it’s important that you see a healthcare provider.
If your ferritin level is abnormal, you will be treated and provided with guidelines regarding follow-up testing. If your symptoms do not improve as anticipated, make sure to call your healthcare provider to discuss next steps.
Summary
Ferritin is an important protein that binds to iron. A simple blood test can measure ferritin concentration in the blood. Abnormal concentrations of ferritin could reflect iron deficiency or overload and may also be associated with other medical conditions.
Looking at your ferritin level in isolation is not enough to identify or diagnose any medical problem. This test is used along with other tests and with consideration to your symptoms and medical history.
A Note on Sex and Gender TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Sex and Gender Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mei Z, Addo OY, Jefferds ME, Sharma AJ, Flores-Ayala RC, Brittenham GM.Physiologically based serum ferritin thresholds for iron deficiency in children and non-pregnant women: a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) serial cross-sectional study.Lancet Haematol.2021;8(8):e572-e582. doi:10.1016/S2352-3026(21)00168-XZhang N, Yu X, Xie J, Xu H.New insights into the role of ferritin in iron homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases.Mol Neurobiol.2021;58(6):2812-2823. doi:10.1007/s12035-020-02277-7Chen C, Zhao Y, Lv X, et al.Association between serum ferritin and bone turnover marker levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Postgrad Med.2024:1-10. doi:10.1080/00325481.2024.2333718Kotla NK, Dutta P, Parimi S, Das NK.The role of ferritin in health and disease: recent advances and understandings.Metabolites.2022;12(7):609. doi:10.3390/metabo12070609World Health Organization.New thresholds for the use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations.Grant ES, Clucas DB, McColl G, Hall LT, Simpson DA.Re-examining ferritin-bound iron: current and developing clinical tools.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2020;59(3):459-471. doi:10.1515/cclm-2020-1095Li S, Chen F, Li T, Cheng Y, Huang G, Hou D, Liu W, Xu T, Liu J.Higher serum ferritins are associated with higher blood pressure: A cross-sectional study.Medicine (Baltimore).2024 Mar 22;103(12):e37485. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000037485WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations[Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020. PMID: 33909381
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mei Z, Addo OY, Jefferds ME, Sharma AJ, Flores-Ayala RC, Brittenham GM.Physiologically based serum ferritin thresholds for iron deficiency in children and non-pregnant women: a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) serial cross-sectional study.Lancet Haematol.2021;8(8):e572-e582. doi:10.1016/S2352-3026(21)00168-XZhang N, Yu X, Xie J, Xu H.New insights into the role of ferritin in iron homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases.Mol Neurobiol.2021;58(6):2812-2823. doi:10.1007/s12035-020-02277-7Chen C, Zhao Y, Lv X, et al.Association between serum ferritin and bone turnover marker levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Postgrad Med.2024:1-10. doi:10.1080/00325481.2024.2333718Kotla NK, Dutta P, Parimi S, Das NK.The role of ferritin in health and disease: recent advances and understandings.Metabolites.2022;12(7):609. doi:10.3390/metabo12070609World Health Organization.New thresholds for the use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations.Grant ES, Clucas DB, McColl G, Hall LT, Simpson DA.Re-examining ferritin-bound iron: current and developing clinical tools.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2020;59(3):459-471. doi:10.1515/cclm-2020-1095Li S, Chen F, Li T, Cheng Y, Huang G, Hou D, Liu W, Xu T, Liu J.Higher serum ferritins are associated with higher blood pressure: A cross-sectional study.Medicine (Baltimore).2024 Mar 22;103(12):e37485. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000037485WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations[Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020. PMID: 33909381
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mei Z, Addo OY, Jefferds ME, Sharma AJ, Flores-Ayala RC, Brittenham GM.Physiologically based serum ferritin thresholds for iron deficiency in children and non-pregnant women: a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) serial cross-sectional study.Lancet Haematol.2021;8(8):e572-e582. doi:10.1016/S2352-3026(21)00168-XZhang N, Yu X, Xie J, Xu H.New insights into the role of ferritin in iron homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases.Mol Neurobiol.2021;58(6):2812-2823. doi:10.1007/s12035-020-02277-7Chen C, Zhao Y, Lv X, et al.Association between serum ferritin and bone turnover marker levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Postgrad Med.2024:1-10. doi:10.1080/00325481.2024.2333718Kotla NK, Dutta P, Parimi S, Das NK.The role of ferritin in health and disease: recent advances and understandings.Metabolites.2022;12(7):609. doi:10.3390/metabo12070609World Health Organization.New thresholds for the use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations.Grant ES, Clucas DB, McColl G, Hall LT, Simpson DA.Re-examining ferritin-bound iron: current and developing clinical tools.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2020;59(3):459-471. doi:10.1515/cclm-2020-1095Li S, Chen F, Li T, Cheng Y, Huang G, Hou D, Liu W, Xu T, Liu J.Higher serum ferritins are associated with higher blood pressure: A cross-sectional study.Medicine (Baltimore).2024 Mar 22;103(12):e37485. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000037485WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations[Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020. PMID: 33909381
Mei Z, Addo OY, Jefferds ME, Sharma AJ, Flores-Ayala RC, Brittenham GM.Physiologically based serum ferritin thresholds for iron deficiency in children and non-pregnant women: a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) serial cross-sectional study.Lancet Haematol.2021;8(8):e572-e582. doi:10.1016/S2352-3026(21)00168-X
Zhang N, Yu X, Xie J, Xu H.New insights into the role of ferritin in iron homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases.Mol Neurobiol.2021;58(6):2812-2823. doi:10.1007/s12035-020-02277-7
Chen C, Zhao Y, Lv X, et al.Association between serum ferritin and bone turnover marker levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Postgrad Med.2024:1-10. doi:10.1080/00325481.2024.2333718
Kotla NK, Dutta P, Parimi S, Das NK.The role of ferritin in health and disease: recent advances and understandings.Metabolites.2022;12(7):609. doi:10.3390/metabo12070609
World Health Organization.New thresholds for the use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations.
Grant ES, Clucas DB, McColl G, Hall LT, Simpson DA.Re-examining ferritin-bound iron: current and developing clinical tools.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2020;59(3):459-471. doi:10.1515/cclm-2020-1095
Li S, Chen F, Li T, Cheng Y, Huang G, Hou D, Liu W, Xu T, Liu J.Higher serum ferritins are associated with higher blood pressure: A cross-sectional study.Medicine (Baltimore).2024 Mar 22;103(12):e37485. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000037485
WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations[Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020. PMID: 33909381
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