Ferritin: Reference Ranges, Low & High Levels, and What They Mean
Ferritin reference ranges, what low and high iron-store levels mean, and what affects your result. Educational biomarker guide from EnnuLife.
In This Guide
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, and the ferritin blood test is the single best indicator of your iron stores. It is widely used to investigate fatigue, anemia, and iron overload, and to monitor iron levels over time.
What Ferritin Measures
Most of your body’s iron is in use, but a reserve is held inside ferritin. The amount of ferritin in your blood closely mirrors how much stored iron you have, so a low ferritin points to depleted iron and a high ferritin points to iron overload or, sometimes, inflammation. Because ferritin also rises with inflammation and illness, clinicians interpret it alongside other iron studies when the picture is unclear.
Reference Ranges for Ferritin
Ferritin is reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Ranges differ by sex and lab:
| Group | Commonly reported reference range |
|---|---|
| Adult males | 30–400 ng/mL |
| Adult females | 15–150 ng/mL |
Cutoffs vary between laboratories, and clinicians often treat low-normal ferritin as meaningful in someone with symptoms. Interpret your result against the range on your own report.
Why Ferritin Is Tested
- Investigating fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath
- Diagnosing and monitoring iron-deficiency anemia
- Evaluating restless legs, hair shedding, or poor exercise tolerance
- Screening for iron overload
What Low Ferritin Can Indicate
Low ferritin reflects depleted iron stores — the most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia. It can result from blood loss (including heavy periods), low dietary iron, poor absorption, or pregnancy. Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, brittle nails, hair shedding, and difficulty concentrating.
What High Ferritin Can Indicate
High ferritin can reflect genuine iron overload (such as hereditary hemochromatosis), but it also rises with inflammation, infection, liver conditions, or heavy alcohol use. Because of this, a high ferritin is interpreted with other iron studies and clinical context rather than on its own.
Factors That Affect Your Result
- Inflammation or recent illness can raise ferritin independent of iron stores
- Menstrual blood loss
- Diet and iron supplementation
- Pregnancy
- Liver health and alcohol intake
How the Test Is Performed
Ferritin is measured from a routine blood draw, often alongside a complete blood count and other iron studies. Fasting is not generally required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good ferritin level?
Many labs use roughly 30–400 ng/mL for men and 15–150 ng/mL for women, but the range on your report and your symptoms matter most.
Can low ferritin cause fatigue without anemia?
Yes. Iron stores can be low before anemia develops, and some people report fatigue at low-normal ferritin. Discuss your result with your clinician.
Does inflammation affect ferritin?
Yes — ferritin rises with inflammation, which is why it is interpreted alongside other markers.
Understanding Your Result
At EnnuLife, ferritin is reviewed alongside related blood markers and your overall health picture, with any treatment guided by a qualified clinician. Take our free health assessment to begin understanding your results.
This page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and individual. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Medically Reviewed
Content reviewed by EnnuLife's medical team to ensure accuracy and adherence to current clinical guidelines.
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