Ferritin in the blood: an analysis that tells you about your iron stores

Do you feel tired even after a full rest? Are you often cold, notice hair loss or low blood pressure, but standard blood tests seem normal? In this case, you should pay attention to the level of ferritin. This is a protein that stores iron in the body and is a sensitive indicator of its deficiency even before anemia appears.

Ferritin is responsible for the formation of a "reserve fund" of iron - its deposition in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Ferritin analysis allows you to assess how well the body is supplied with this trace element and whether it is able to support vital functions related to hematopoiesis, immunity, and cellular metabolism.

Who is recommended to check ferritin?

• women with heavy or prolonged menstruation

• pregnant or planning a pregnancy

• for people with chronic fatigue, low blood pressure, weakness

• with hair loss, brittle nails

• athletes, vegetarians, blood donors

• patients with chronic diseases of the digestive tract

• in case of long-term use of iron-containing drugs or dietary supplements

It is also important to check ferritin if chronic inflammation, hepatitis, or iron metabolism disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis) are suspected.

What does ferritin level mean?

Ferritin in the blood is not a direct measurement of iron, but an assessment of its reserves. This indicator changes long before hemoglobin decreases. If ferritin is low, the body has already begun to use up its resources. If it is elevated, it can be a sign not only of excess iron, but also of systemic inflammation or liver damage.

Ferritin level interpretation table

These limits are approximate. Each laboratory sets its own reference values, so it is important to pay attention to the specified norms on the results form.

Indicators that should be taken together with ferritin

• complete blood count (with hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocytes)

• serum iron

• transferrin or transferrin saturation

• total serum iron binding capacity (TSIBC)

• C-reactive protein (CRP)

This allows for better differentiation: true iron deficiency, hidden deficiency, or the effect of the inflammatory process on ferritin levels.

How to prepare for the analysis

• donate blood on an empty stomach (last meal 8–12 hours ago)

• avoid physical activity, stress, alcohol, and fatty foods during the day

• do not take iron-containing drugs or vitamins before donation without consulting a doctor

• You should refrain from active sports before the test.

Ferritin in pregnant women

During pregnancy, the volume of circulating blood and the need for iron increase significantly. The body of the expectant mother must not only provide for herself, but also for the fetus. If ferritin is lower than 30 ng/ml, this is a reason to start correction. Studies show that maintaining ferritin levels above 70 ng/ml is associated with a lower risk of fetal hypoxia, premature birth and postpartum anemia.

When to worry

• ferritin < 15 — alarm signal, possible consequences: anemia, decreased performance, immunity

• ferritin > 300 — may indicate iron overload or an inflammatory process

• normal hemoglobin with low ferritin - early iron deficiency that requires attention

Ferritin is not just another line on a test form. Its level tells a lot about hidden processes that affect health long before symptoms appear. If you care about your condition, especially if you have chronic fatigue or are preparing for pregnancy, be sure to include this analysis in your basic examination.

Author: Ulyana Anatolyivna Dzyuba

Director of Medi Lab Plus LLC, a doctor of the highest category. Has over 45 years of practical experience in medicine and laboratory diagnostics. Founder and head of the laboratory since 2007. More details…