What is the normal level of ferritin (iron storage protein)?

From the Guidelines

Normal ferritin levels typically range from 20 to 250 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for adult males and 10 to 200 ng/mL for adult females. For children, normal levels are generally between 7 and 140 ng/mL 1. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, and its measurement in blood provides an accurate indication of your body's iron stores.

Key Points to Consider

• Low ferritin levels suggest iron deficiency, which may lead to anemia if left untreated.
• High levels can indicate iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis, inflammation, liver disease, or certain types of cancer.
• If your ferritin level is abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
• Regular monitoring of ferritin levels is particularly important for individuals with chronic conditions affecting iron metabolism, pregnant women, and those with a history of anemia or iron overload disorders.

Diagnosis and Management

• In the presence of inflammation, a serum ferritin up to 100 mg/L may still be consistent with iron deficiency 1.
• Iron supplementation is recommended in all patients when iron-deficiency anemia is present 1.
• The decision to supplement iron in patients without anemia is more controversial and will depend on the patient's history, symptoms, and individual preferences.

Treatment and Prevention

• Intravenous iron therapy may be considered as first-line treatment in patients with clinically active disease, with previous intolerance to oral iron, with hemoglobin below 100 g/L, and in patients who need erythropoiesis-stimulating agents 1.
• After successful treatment of iron deficiency anemia with intravenous iron, re-treatment with intravenous iron should be initiated as soon as serum ferritin drops below 100 mg/L or hemoglobin below 12 or 13 g/dL according to gender 1.

From the Research

Normal Ferritin Levels

• The normal level of ferritin can vary depending on the individual and the laboratory conducting the test 2, 3, 4.
• According to some studies, a ferritin level of less than 30 ng/mL is typically considered indicative of iron deficiency 2, 3.
• However, other studies suggest that a cutoff of 100 μg/L for serum ferritin concentration should be considered in most conditions 4.
• It's also important to note that ferritin levels can be affected by inflammation and other factors, so the interpretation of results should be done in the context of the individual's overall health and medical history 3, 5.

Factors Affecting Ferritin Levels

• Ferritin levels can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, and medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer 2, 4, 5.
• Inflammation and infection can also cause elevated ferritin levels, making it essential to consider these factors when interpreting test results 3, 5.
• Pregnancy and heavy menstrual bleeding can also affect ferritin levels, and iron deficiency is common in these populations 2, 4.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency

• Iron deficiency is typically diagnosed by measuring serum ferritin levels, and treatment usually involves oral or intravenous iron supplementation 2, 4, 5.
• The choice of treatment depends on the individual's specific needs and medical history, as well as the severity of the iron deficiency 2, 4, 5.
• Intravenous iron therapy is usually reserved for patients with intolerance or unresponsiveness to oral iron, or those who require rapid correction of iron deficiency 5.