Insight into your iron stores.
Ferritin reflects the amount of iron stored in the body. A test gives insight into your iron stores, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Also known as: iron stores, serum ferritin
Personal assessment by our BIG-registered doctors
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Background
What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. The ferritin level in the blood is a measure of the total iron stores, it is therefore a more sensitive indicator of diminishing iron stores than the iron level itself, which only falls at a later stage.
Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. A low ferritin level is more commonly seen in women of reproductive age (due to menstrual blood loss), in athletes, in vegetarians and vegans, and in bowel conditions with reduced iron absorption.
In brief
Iron storage
Protein that binds iron
Early indicator
Falls before haemoglobin
Sex difference
Different reference ranges for men and women
Acute-phase protein
Rises temporarily with inflammation
This marker is also included in
Testing several values in a single draw takes one blood collection and gives a more complete picture. The choice is yours.
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Ferritin be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Ferritin can provide insight.
Insight into your iron stores
A test gives a snapshot of your iron status, a baseline or follow-up measurement.
For women who menstruate
Due to monthly blood loss, lower ferritin levels are more common in women than in men.
For athletes
Intensive exercise can increase iron loss, athletes sometimes measure ferritin periodically as part of performance monitoring.
With a plant-based diet
A vegetarian or vegan diet gives a different iron absorption profile; a test gives insight into whether stores are sufficient.
Tracking the effect of supplementation
Those taking iron supplements can check after a few months whether the stores are building up.
With questions about fatigue
Fatigue is a commonly reported complaint; low iron stores are one of the possible factors that can be investigated.
What your result means
Ferritin level too low or too high: what does that mean?
Ferritin is measured in micrograms per litre (µg/L). Reference ranges differ between men and women. Our doctor interprets your value in this context.
A low value
A low ferritin level indicates reduced iron stores. This can arise from insufficient intake (for example with a plant-based diet), increased loss (such as menstruation), or reduced absorption from the bowel. A low value is common and can usually be improved through diet or supplementation.
A normal value
Ferritin within the reference range gives a reassuring picture of your iron stores. For specific questions, a more extensive iron panel (iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation) can provide additional information.
A high value
Elevated ferritin can have various causes. It may indicate increased iron stores (such as with hereditary haemochromatosis), but ferritin also rises temporarily with inflammation, infection, or after intensive exercise. For significantly elevated values, our doctor provides explanation and context regarding next steps.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your ferritin in the context of your sex, age, and any known factors. You receive a report in plain language, as a starting point for your own insight or a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Related tests
Often combined with Ferritin.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Ferritin with a theme package or related markers.
+ €29 blood draw fee per orderFree from €225
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a ferritin test?
No, you do not need to fast for a ferritin measurement.
What is the difference between ferritin and iron?
Ferritin reflects the stored iron reserves in the body. Serum iron measures only the iron currently circulating in the blood. Ferritin falls earlier than serum iron and is therefore a more sensitive early indicator.
Do men and women have the same reference ranges?
No, men have on average a higher ferritin level than women, partly due to blood loss through menstruation. Reference ranges are therefore sex-specific.
Can ferritin be temporarily elevated?
Yes. Ferritin is also an acute-phase protein and can temporarily rise with inflammation, infection, liver conditions, or after intensive exercise. A repeat measurement after a few weeks may then be worthwhile.
How long does it take for iron supplementation to raise ferritin?
With daily supplementation, a measurable change in ferritin is typically not seen until after 8 to 12 weeks. Retesting sooner is therefore of little value.
Which foods contain a lot of iron?
Good sources of iron include red meat, liver, legumes, dark leafy vegetables (such as spinach), wholegrain products, and dried fruit. Vitamin C increases absorption.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and explanation. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or adjusting your diet, remains entirely your choice.
Can I share my report with my GP?
Yes, the report is written in medical language and contains all relevant laboratory information.
What is a normal ferritin level?
There is no fixed figure that applies to everyone. The laboratory provides the reference ranges that apply there alongside your result, and these differ between men and women. Our doctor assesses your ferritin level against that reference and your personal situation, such as age, diet, exercise and menstruation.
Can my ferritin be low while my haemoglobin is normal?
Yes, this occurs regularly. Ferritin reflects the stored iron reserves and falls earlier than haemoglobin. Your stores can therefore already be running down while the blood count does not yet show any abnormality. That is why ferritin gives earlier insight into diminishing iron stores than a blood count alone.
Which complaints can fit with low iron stores?
Commonly reported complaints are fatigue, reduced stamina, breathlessness on exertion, headache, hair loss and pallor. These complaints are general and can also have another cause, so on their own they say little. A ferritin measurement shows whether your iron stores could be one of the factors. If the complaints persist, discuss your result with your GP.
In the Health Guide
Read more about this value
Ready for insight into your iron stores?
You receive your ferritin level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 working days. No referral required.
Order Ferritin →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Ferritin with other markers via Bloodworks Select. The blood draw and collection fee is charged once per order, and is waived from €225.
30,-
+ €29 blood draw fee+ €29 blood draw fee per order