From the Guidelines
A ferritin level of 30 ng/mL is considered low, indicating low body iron stores, according to the most recent guidelines. The normal range for ferritin levels can vary between laboratories, but a level of 30 ng/mL is generally considered to be at the lower end of the normal range [ 1 ]. In the context of iron deficiency, a serum ferritin level of less than 30 μg/L is indicative of low body iron stores [ 1 ].
Key Points to Consider
- A ferritin level of 30 ng/mL may not provide sufficient iron reserves, particularly in individuals with increased iron requirements or chronic diseases [ 1 ].
- The British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines suggest that a serum ferritin level of less than 15 μg/L is highly specific for iron deficiency, while a cut-off of 45 μg/L provides a respectable specificity of 0.92 [ 1 ].
- Increasing iron intake through diet or supplements may be beneficial for individuals with a ferritin level of 30 ng/mL, especially if they are experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency [ 1 ].
Recommendations for Management
- Iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate, may be recommended to increase iron intake [ 1 ].
- Dietary sources of iron, including red meat, spinach, beans, and fortified cereals, can also help increase iron levels [ 1 ].
- It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of management for an individual with a ferritin level of 30 ng/mL, as the optimal approach may vary depending on the underlying cause of the low ferritin level and the presence of any underlying medical conditions [ 1 ].
From the Research
Ferritin Level Interpretation
- A ferritin level of 30 ng/mL may be considered low, as some studies suggest that the body's physiologic ferritin "cutoff" is 50 ng/mL 2.
- However, the definition of iron deficiency and the corresponding ferritin cutoff values vary across different studies and guidelines 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Some research suggests that a ferritin level of 30 μg/L may be a more appropriate diagnostic cutoff for detecting iron deficiency, as it increases sensitivity without significantly reducing specificity 4.
- Other studies propose that functional limits, such as those derived from the association between ferritin and erythrocyte parameters, may provide a better alternative for diagnosing iron deficiency 5.
- A recent study found that serum ferritin levels below 50 ng/mL are indicative of early iron deficiency, and this cutoff should be considered clinically relevant 6.
Comparison of Ferritin Cutoff Values
- Different studies and guidelines propose varying ferritin cutoff values, ranging from 10 μg/L to 100 μg/L, to define iron deficiency 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The choice of cutoff value may depend on the specific population being studied, as well as the presence of inflammation or other underlying conditions 4, 6.
- Further research is needed to establish standardized and clinically relevant ferritin cutoff values for diagnosing iron deficiency 2, 3, 6.