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Also reported in: mcg/L, ug/L
Normal ferritin means iron reserves are within the accepted range. When ferritin is also within the optimal subrange, energy production, immune function, and red blood cell production are all well-supported by iron availability. Normal ferritin rules out both iron deficiency and iron overload at a basic screening level.
Ferritin is the primary iron storage protein in the body. A very low ferritin below 10 ng/mL means iron reserves are almost completely exhausted. At this level, iron-deficiency anemia is certain, and symptoms like noticeable fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and impaired cognitive function are expected. Tissues throughout the body are running short of iron for basic enzymatic functions.
Seek medical attention. Oral or intravenous iron supplementation under medical supervision is needed immediately. The underlying cause of iron depletion (blood loss, malabsorption, dietary deficiency) must also be identified.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — very low (ref: {{low}}–{{high}}; critical: <10)Low ferritin means the body's iron reserves are noticeably below normal. Even if hemoglobin is not yet fully anemic, low ferritin reflects pre-anemic iron deficiency that may contribute to fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, brain fog, restless legs, and impaired immune function. The body draws on ferritin reserves before full anemia develops.
Discuss with your doctor. Iron supplementation and investigation of the cause (blood loss, dietary deficiency, malabsorption) are typically needed.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — low — iron stores depleted (ref: {{low}}–{{high}})Borderline low ferritin means iron reserves are in the lower portion of the normal range. While anemia may not be present yet, suboptimal iron stores can still cause fatigue, reduced athletic performance, and mildly impaired cognitive function. Women of reproductive age and athletes are particularly likely to experience symptoms at borderline-low ferritin.
Discuss dietary iron intake and possible supplementation with your doctor. Retest in 2–3 months after addressing dietary sources.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — borderline low (ref: {{low}}–{{high}}; borderline: 12–30)Normal ferritin means iron reserves are within the accepted range. When ferritin is also within the optimal subrange, energy production, immune function, and red blood cell production are all well-supported by iron availability. Normal ferritin rules out both iron deficiency and iron overload at a basic screening level.
Normal result. Maintain adequate dietary iron intake from both animal and plant sources.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — normal (ref: {{low}}–{{high}})An optimal ferritin between 50 and 200 ng/mL reflects healthy iron stores that are neither depleted nor excessive. At this level, the body has adequate iron for all physiological functions including red blood cell production, mitochondrial energy generation, immune defense, and cognitive function, without the oxidative stress risk of iron overload.
Excellent result. Maintain balanced dietary iron with regular monitoring to keep ferritin in this optimal range.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — optimal (ref: 50–200)Borderline elevated ferritin can reflect either modestly high iron stores or early inflammatory activation (ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant that rises with inflammation). In men and post-menopausal women, slightly elevated ferritin is more likely to reflect true iron accumulation. In the context of elevated CRP or ESR, inflammation rather than iron overload is more likely.
Discuss with your doctor. Checking transferrin saturation and inflammatory markers helps distinguish iron overload from inflammatory ferritin elevation. Genetic testing for hereditary hemochromatosis may be warranted.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — borderline elevated (ref: {{low}}–{{high}}; borderline: 300–500)Significantly elevated ferritin can indicate iron overload (hereditary hemochromatosis, transfusion iron loading), active inflammation or infection, liver disease (ferritin is stored in liver cells and leaks when they are damaged), or metabolic syndrome. The cause matters greatly: true iron overload damages organs, while inflammation-driven ferritin elevation reflects immune activation rather than iron excess.
Medical evaluation is needed. Transferrin saturation, liver enzymes, CRP, and possibly genetic testing for hemochromatosis will help distinguish between iron overload and inflammatory ferritin elevation.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — elevated (ref: {{low}}–{{high}}; elevated: >500)A very high ferritin above 1000 ng/mL is a serious finding that demands urgent attention. At this level, ferritin elevation is almost never explained by simple dietary iron excess alone. Major may contribute to include hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH — a rare but life-threatening immune disorder), noticeable infection or sepsis, Still's disease, advanced liver disease, noticeable hemolysis, or multiple blood transfusions. Ferritin above 10,000 ng/mL is a hallmark of HLH.
Seek urgent medical evaluation. Very high ferritin is a potential medical emergency. Comprehensive evaluation for serious inflammatory, infectious, and hematologic diseases is mandatory.
Ferritin: {{value}} {{unit}} — very high (ref: {{low}}–{{high}}; critical: >1000)Upload your lab report and get your actual values interpreted in plain English — instantly, with no medical training required.