Ferritin Test: Normal Range and What Low or High Levels Mean

Iron is an essential element necessary for the functions of the human body. It is needed for the formation of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen to different organ cells and tissues while also eliminating waste (carbon dioxide). Haemoglobin contains around 70% of the body's iron, 5% is contained in specific proteins, and 25% of the body's iron is stored as ferritin, a protein found mostly in cells. Ferritin functions as an iron storage, releasing iron when the body requires it! 

If a ferritin test result indicates a low ferritin level, it may suggest that the body’s iron reserves have been depleted, which can lead to the development of illnesses such as iron deficiency anemia. On the other hand, a high ferritin level might suggest an iron surplus in the body, which, if left untreated, can lead to major chronic illnesses. Let’s take a look at the functions of the ferritin test and the normal ferritin range for humans.  

What is a Ferritin Test? 

A ferritin test is a blood test that determines the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron within your cells. Your body needs iron to produce healthy red blood cells, and these red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also required for proper muscle, bone marrow, and organ function, and your body stores excess iron in ferritin for future use, which is often concentrated in your liver and immune system cells. When your body utilizes iron, cells release a small quantity of ferritin into the circulation, that is why, your ferritin level indicates the quantity of iron stored in your body. 

When is a Ferritin Test Necessary? 

A serum ferritin test is often ordered when your doctor believes that you have too little or too much iron in your body, and they suspect this problem from your symptoms or because other blood tests indicate a problem. A ferritin test may also be recommended if you are underweight, pregnant, have heavy periods, or have food absorption issues.  

The ferritin test can help identify or rule out illnesses such as: 

• Iron deficiency anemia - You require iron to produce healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout your body, and when you don't have enough iron, you don't produce as many cells. This is called anemia, and chronic blood loss is the most prevalent cause of iron deficiency anemia in adults. 
• Adult-onset Still's Disease - This unusual kind of arthritis produces joint pain, fever, and rash, and people with this condition have extremely high ferritin levels. 
• Liver disease - The liver stores a large portion of your body's ferritin, and a high ferritin level might indicate a liver issue. 
• Hemochromatosis - This condition, which is a hereditary disorder, happens when you have an excess of iron in your body as a result of over-absorption from your diet.  

What is the Ferritin Normal Level?  

These are the standard numbers for ferritin levels normal results:  

• For Women - 24-307 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for adults assigned female at birth  
• For Men - 24-336 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for adults assigned male at birth 
• For Children - 7-140 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for children aged 6 months to 15 years  

What are the Implications of a High Ferritin Level? 

Serum ferritin test results may be elevated owing to hemochromatosis (iron overload), a disorder in which the body retains an excessive amount of iron, however, increased ferritin levels can be caused by a variety of medical problems.  

Ferritin is an essential marker of inflammation in the body, therefore ferritin levels may be elevated whenever you have an inflammatory illness, such as an underlying infection. Other disorders that induce high ferritin are alcoholism, chronic illnesses such as autoimmune disorders and diabetes, blood cancers (leukemia and lymphoma), obesity, hyperthyroidism, Adult-onset Still's illness, liver illness, and any damage to the spleen, bone marrow, or your liver.  

Symptoms of High Levels of Ferritin  

Symptoms of iron excess, also known as hemochromatosis, include joint pain, heart problems, unexplained weight loss, abdominal discomfort, loss of body hair, lack of sexual desire, and fatigue or lack of energy.  

What are the Implications of a Low Ferritin Level? 

If your ferritin test result is lower than normal, it might indicate iron deficiency anemia which means that your body does not have enough red blood cells. This is the most likely explanation for a low ferritin level result, however, blood loss, often from the gastrointestinal system, can be the cause of it as well! A low ferritin level can also be caused when your body fails to absorb iron from your food adequately.  

Symptoms of Low Levels of Ferritin 

Iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms, such as pale skin, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and a fast heartbeat.  

How to Decrease a High Ferritin Level? 

High ferritin values received from a ferritin test indicate high iron levels, and the treatment is based on the underlying cause.  

• Iron overload illnesses, such as primary hemochromatosis, are often treated by phlebotomy, a common therapy that eliminates iron-rich blood from the body. The amount and frequency with which the doctor removes blood are determined by various factors such as a person's age, health, and ferritin level. 
• Doctors may utilize iron chelation treatment, which entails taking an oral or injectable prescription to eliminate excess iron from the body. Typically, iron chelation treatment is not the primary choice for hemochromatosis, however, it may be appropriate for some individuals. 

People with other diseases that generate elevated ferritin levels may need extra or alternative therapies to treat the condition. 

How to Increase a Low Ferritin Level? 

If a person has lower ferritin than ferritin levels normal range, their doctor will need to determine the severity of the deficit and the underlying reason before treatment begins.  

• If bleeding is the cause of low ferritin levels, the doctor will treat the issue to increase iron levels. 
• They may also advise the client on how to increase their iron levels, such as via dietary choices. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, lentils, beans, tofu, raisins, eggs, and dark leafy greens, such as spinach and broccoli.  
• If a lack of iron absorption is the issue, doctors will prescribe medications and create a diet that can improve iron absorption from food! For example, vitamin C and vitamin C-rich meals may aid in iron absorption. 
• A doctor may also offer iron supplements to boost ferritin levels, however, in extreme instances of anemia, intravenous iron therapy may be required. 

Conclusion 

If your ferritin test results show that you have high or low ferritin levels, this does not necessarily imply that you have a medical condition! If you get an abnormal result, your healthcare professional will discuss it with you, and they may conduct further tests to discover the source of your elevated ferritin levels. 

If you need a ferritin test, contact Pathkind Labs to receive accurate results quickly! The expert technicians of this modern lab will collect the sample and test it in cutting-edge modern laboratory facilities to provide the correct results.