What is the normal ferritin level?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the normal range of serum ferritin for adult males is 15-200 μg/L, while for adult females it is 12-150 μg/L. Ferritin is a soluble tissue protein that stores iron, and its levels reflect the body's iron reserves. The normal ranges differ between males and females primarily due to factors such as menstrual blood loss in women.
Generally, the normal range for serum ferritin in adult males is 15-200 μg/L, while for adult females the normal range is 12-150 μg/L. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Ferritin is a soluble tissue protein that stores iron, and its levels reflect the body's iron reserves. The normal ranges differ between males and females mainly due to factors such as menstrual blood loss in women. The normal ferritin range for adult males is generally 15-200 μg/L, while for adult females it is 12-150 μg/L.
Ferritin testing plays an important role in diagnosing diseases such as iron deficiency anemia and iron overload. When ferritin levels fall below the normal range, this may indicate insufficient iron intake, poor absorption, or excessive blood loss, which can potentially lead to iron deficiency anemia, causing symptoms such as fatigue, easy tiring, dizziness, and pallor. Elevated ferritin levels may be caused by excessive iron intake or inflammatory responses. Long-term iron overload can damage organs such as the heart and liver.
It's important to maintain a balanced diet and consume adequate iron-rich foods, such as red meat, legumes, and leafy green vegetables. Additionally, consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries, can help enhance iron absorption.
