Definition
What Ferritin measures
Ferritin is the blood protein that reflects stored iron. It also rises as an acute-phase reactant, so inflammation can lift the number without adding iron.
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Nutrient statusEssentialCompleteng/mL
Ferritin
Stored iron, with an inflammation caveat
Illustrative sample band · Synthetic
54ng/mL
0.4Sample target 40–200 ng/mL430
Why it matters
How clinicians usually read it
It is the usual first iron-store marker. A complete iron conversation often also needs iron, transferrin saturation, and hs-CRP when the story is mixed.
When it reads low
A lower value can mean
Low ferritin usually means low iron stores and can travel with fatigue, heavy menstrual loss, or low intake. Confirm before treating it as the whole story.
When it reads high
A higher value can mean
High ferritin can mean iron overload, recent supplementation, liver stress, or inflammation. hs-CRP helps tell those apart.
Questions for a clinician
Bring the number into a real conversation
01
Is this ferritin high from iron, inflammation, or both?
02
Do we need iron, transferrin saturation, or a complete blood count next?
03
Could a recent illness or supplement have moved this number?
Educational boundary
Educational information only. Displayed ranges are illustrative sample bands, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for the contracted laboratory report and a qualified clinician.
See it as a sample result
The sample dashboard shows an illustrative reading, target band, and trend for Ferritin.