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Ferritin level: what does this indicator show and why it is worth monitoring
Chronic fatigue, pallor, hair loss, or weak immunity are often attributed to stress or the season. But the cause may be hidden in a single test - ferritin. This protein reflects the actual iron reserves in the body. And if the ferritin level is low, even with normal hemoglobin, the body is already experiencing an iron deficiency.
Ferritin levels are one of the most important markers that doctors evaluate when they suspect anemia, chronic fatigue, thyroid disorders, or when examining athletes. Monitoring this indicator helps prevent serious metabolic disorders, especially in women, vegetarians, donors, or people with chronic diseases.
What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in cells in a safe, inactive form. It is main iron depot in the body. When the body needs iron for blood formation, enzyme synthesis, or immune support, it is released from ferritin.
The serum ferritin level reflects iron reserves, rather than its transport or circulating amount. This makes ferritin a more accurate marker of iron deficiency than hemoglobin.
Ferritin levels
Normal ferritin values depend on age, gender, and physiological state (e.g., pregnancy).
| Group | Norm, ng/ml |
|---|---|
| Children under 1 year old | 25–200 |
| Children 1–10 years old | 20–100 |
| Children 11–18 years old | 20–200 |
| Adult women | 15–150 |
| Adult men | 30–300 |
| Pregnant women (II–III trimester) | 10–50 |
A decrease below 30 ng/mL may indicate depletion of iron stores even with normal hemoglobin.
Causes of low ferritin
Chronic blood loss: heavy menstruation, hemorrhoids, microbleeds from the gastrointestinal tract
Low dietary iron intake: veganism, protein deficiency
Absorption disorders: celiac disease, gastritis, taking antacids
Increased need: pregnancy, adolescence, sports
Frequent donation or after operations
Chronic inflammatory processes, which reduce the bioavailability of iron
Symptoms of low ferritin levels
constant fatigue, apathy
brittle nails, hair loss
frequent colds, decreased immunity
shortness of breath on exertion
cold extremities
impaired concentration, dizziness
fatigue after physical activity
decreased working capacity
It is especially common in women “hidden iron deficiency”, when hemoglobin is still within normal limits, but ferritin is already reduced.
When to take a ferritin test
with signs of anemia or chronic fatigue
before or during pregnancy
during long-term diets, veganism or after weight loss
after blood loss (surgery, childbirth, donation)
for chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland
with hair loss
to monitor the effectiveness of anemia treatment
How to increase ferritin levels
Balanced diet: beef, liver, eggs, legumes, buckwheat, spinach
Vitamin C — improves iron absorption (citrus fruits, broccoli, sauerkraut)
Limit tea and coffee during meals, because tannins reduce iron absorption
Iron supplements - only on doctor's prescription
Treatment of the underlying disease (e.g. gastritis or celiac disease)
You shouldn't take iron "blindly" - excess ferritin can also be harmful, especially in cases of liver disease or inflammatory processes.
Checking your ferritin levels is a simple step toward preventing iron deficiency, which can go unnoticed for years. If you're feeling tired, feeling unwell, or seeing changes in your appearance, getting your ferritin tested is a good idea. ferritin can answer the question of why the body is not working at full capacity.
