Ferritin
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron, so your ferritin level is the best single blood marker of how much iron your body has in reserve. It often drops before hemoglobin does, which makes it an early warning for iron deficiency.
Your reading
This app uses 30–300 ng/mL. Below 30 usually means your iron stores are low, even if your hemoglobin is still normal, and fatigue, poor exercise tolerance and hair shedding are common at that point. Ferritin also rises with inflammation or infection, so a normal or high value can hide low iron when CRP is raised at the same time.
What may help
- —Iron-rich foods: red meat, shellfish, lentils, beans and dark leafy greens
- —Pairing plant iron with vitamin C (citrus, peppers) and keeping tea and coffee away from iron-rich meals
- —An iron supplement, but only after a test confirms low iron, since too much iron is harmful
When to talk to a doctor
If ferritin is below 30 with symptoms, or above 300, especially if it keeps rising. Very high ferritin can point to inflammation, liver disease or iron overload (hemochromatosis).
Common questions
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron, so your ferritin level is the best single blood marker of how much iron your body has in reserve. It often drops before hemoglobin does, which makes it an early warning for iron deficiency.
What is a normal Ferritin level?
Daygo uses 30–300 ng/mL as the reference range. This app uses 30–300 ng/mL. Below 30 usually means your iron stores are low, even if your hemoglobin is still normal, and fatigue, poor exercise tolerance and hair shedding are common at that point. Ferritin also rises with inflammation or infection, so a normal or high value can hide low iron when CRP is raised at the same time.
How can I improve my Ferritin?
Iron-rich foods: red meat, shellfish, lentils, beans and dark leafy greens. Pairing plant iron with vitamin C (citrus, peppers) and keeping tea and coffee away from iron-rich meals. An iron supplement, but only after a test confirms low iron, since too much iron is harmful.
When should I see a doctor about Ferritin?
If ferritin is below 30 with symptoms, or above 300, especially if it keeps rising. Very high ferritin can point to inflammation, liver disease or iron overload (hemochromatosis).
Source: MedlinePlus (NIH). Reference ranges are standard adult intervals — your own lab may report a different range for your age, sex, or method. This isn't medical advice; always go by the range on your actual results and talk to a clinician about anything that concerns you.