Ferritin is a crucial protein that stores and releases iron in the body. It plays a significant role in maintaining proper iron levels, ensuring the body has enough iron for red blood cell production and other essential functions. However, high ferritin levels may indicate underlying health conditions, including iron overload, inflammation, liver disease, or chronic infections.
On the other hand, low ferritin levels are linked to iron deficiency, leading to anemia and symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. Understanding the ferritin normal range, the importance of a ferritin test for anemia, and the causes of low ferritin can help identify potential health risks early.
What Is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a storage protein for iron, found mainly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. While iron itself is essential for oxygen transport and energy production, too much or too little ferritin can indicate an imbalance in iron metabolism.
Doctors use the ferritin test for anemia to measure ferritin levels in the blood and determine whether a person has an iron deficiency or excess.
Ferritin Normal Range
Understanding the ferritin normal range is key to diagnosing iron-related health conditions.
Men- 24–336 ng/mL
Women- 11–307 ng/mL
Children (6 months-15 years)- 7–140 ng/mL
Ferritin levels above the normal range may suggest iron overload, inflammation, or chronic disease.
Ferritin levels below the normal range indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia.
High Ferritin Levels: What Does It Mean?
When ferritin levels are high, it typically means the body is storing too much iron. However, elevated ferritin can also be caused by non-iron-related conditions like infections and inflammation.
Common Causes of High Ferritin Levels
- Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload Disorder)- It is a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from food. Excess iron is stored in the liver, heart, and pancreas, leading to damage over time. Symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, diabetes, and heart problems.
- Liver Disease (Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Fatty Liver Disease)- The liver plays a key role in iron storage and metabolism. Conditions like alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease can cause high ferritin levels.
- Chronic Inflammation and Infections- Ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, meaning it rises with inflammation. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or infections can cause increased ferritin levels.
- Frequent Blood Transfusions- Patients receiving repeated blood transfusions (such as those with sickle cell disease or thalassemia) may develop iron overload, leading to high ferritin levels.
- Certain Cancers- High ferritin levels have been linked to leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.
- Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity- Research suggests a link between obesity, insulin resistance, and high ferritin levels.
Low Ferritin Levels: What Causes It?
Ferritin deficiency is often caused by iron deficiency, leading to reduced oxygen transport and energy production.
Causes of Low Ferritin
- Iron Deficiency Anemia- The most common cause of low ferritin levels is iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, and brittle nails.
- Poor Diet or Malabsorption Issues- A lack of iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, beans) in the diet can lead to low ferritin. Malabsorption conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or gastric bypass surgery can prevent the body from absorbing enough iron.
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding- Women with heavy periods are at higher risk of low ferritin levels due to increased blood loss.
- Pregnancy- Iron demand increases during pregnancy, which can lead to low ferritin levels if iron intake is insufficient.
- Internal Bleeding- Chronic blood loss from ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, or colon cancer can lead to ferritin deficiency.
Iron Deficiency vs. Iron Overload: Key Differences
|
Condition |
Iron Deficiency |
Iron Overload |
|
Ferritin Levels |
Low |
High |
|
Symptoms |
Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, hair loss |
Joint pain, liver damage, diabetes, darkened skin |
|
Common Causes |
Poor diet, heavy bleeding, malabsorption |
Hemochromatosis, chronic disease, liver conditions |
|
Treatment |
Iron supplements, diet changes |
Phlebotomy (blood removal), iron chelation therapy |
Ferritin Test for Anemia: When to Get Tested?
A ferritin test is recommended if you experience symptoms of iron deficiency or iron overload.
Symptoms That May Require a Ferritin Test
Signs of Low Ferritin (Iron Deficiency)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Brittle nails and hair loss
- Pale skin
Signs of High Ferritin (Iron Overload)
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Darkened skin (bronzing)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor about getting a ferritin test for anemia or iron overload.
How to Manage High Ferritin Levels
If your ferritin levels are too high, treatment focuses on reducing iron overload and addressing underlying causes.
- Phlebotomy (Blood Removal Therapy)- The most effective treatment for hemochromatosis. It helps remove excess iron from the bloodstream by drawing blood regularly.
- Iron Chelation Therapy- Medications like deferoxamine (Desferal) or deferasirox (Exjade) bind to iron and help remove it from the body.
- Dietary Changes- Avoid iron-rich foods like red meat and iron-fortified cereals. Limit vitamin C intake, as it enhances iron absorption. Increase tea and coffee consumption, as they reduce iron absorption.
How to Increase Low Ferritin Levels
For low ferritin levels, treatment focuses on increasing iron intake.
- Iron-Rich Diet
- Eat red meat, leafy greens, lentils, and nuts.
- Combine iron-rich foods with vitamin C (oranges, bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
- Iron Supplements
- Ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate supplements can help restore ferritin levels.
- Always take iron supplements under medical supervision to avoid toxicity.
- Address Underlying Conditions
- Treat gastrointestinal disorders that prevent iron absorption.
- Manage menstrual bleeding with appropriate medical interventions.
Ferritin levels play a crucial role in maintaining iron balance. While high ferritin levels can indicate iron overload, liver disease, or inflammation, low ferritin levels suggest iron deficiency, often leading to anemia.
Understanding the ferritin normal range and getting a ferritin test for anemia can help detect underlying conditions early. If you experience low iron symptoms or suspect iron overload, consult your doctor to determine the best course of action
