Ferritin Demystified: Your Top Questions Answered

Ferritin Demystified: Your Top Questions Answered

What is ferritin, and why does it matter?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, critical for red blood cell production, immune function, and energy metabolism. Low levels indicate iron deficiency, while high levels may signal overload or inflammation.

What are the symptoms of low ferritin?

Fatigue, pale skin, hair loss, restless legs, and heart palpitations. Severe deficiency (iron-deficiency anemia) includes brittle nails, mouth ulcers, and shortness of breath.

How is ferritin tested?

A simple blood test measures serum ferritin. Inflammation (e.g., infections) can falsely elevate levels, requiring adjustments using markers like CRP.

Photo by Akram Huseyn on Unsplash

What’s a “normal” ferritin range?

  • Adults: 20–300 μg/L (varies by lab).
  • Deficiency thresholds: <15 μg/L (healthy individuals) or 0–70 μg/L with inflammation.
  • Overload: >200 μg/L (men/non-menstruating women) or >150 μg/L (menstruating women).

Can diet improve ferritin levels?

Yes! Prioritize iron-rich foods (red meat, lentils, fortified cereals) and pair plant-based iron (non-haem) with vitamin C (e.g., citrus) to boost absorption. Avoid tea/coffee with meals.

Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash

Source(s)

British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), 1995, Iron: Nutritional and physiological significance

Public Health England (PHE), 2011, Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) report, Iron and Health. www.gov.uk

Public Health England (PHE), 2020, NDNS 2020, Results from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme for 2016 to 2017 and 2018 to 2019 for food consumption, nutrient intakes and nutritional status. www.gov.uk

"Health is the greatest human value"

AnaskoMed, Your Dietitian & Nutritionist


AnaskoMed Clinic is based on EBM (Evidence Based Medicine) medicine based on facts and reliable sources. Learn more about how we ensure the quality of our content at www.anaskomed.clinic

Remember that the information in this article is not a diet or education tailored individually, so if you have any health problems or your diet is more demanding, use the option of individual dietary cooperation or contact your doctor before using it.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

1 of 4