Ferritin reflects the amount of iron stored in the body. A test gives insight into your iron stores, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
Achtergrond
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 het kort
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
Veelvoorkomende redenen om te meten
Hieronder enkele situaties waarin een meting van Ferritin inzicht kan bieden.
A test gives a snapshot of your iron status, a baseline or follow-up measurement.
Due to monthly blood loss, lower ferritin levels are more common in women than in men.
Intensive exercise can increase iron loss, athletes sometimes measure ferritin periodically as part of performance monitoring.
A vegetarian or vegan diet gives a different iron absorption profile; a test gives insight into whether stores are sufficient.
Those taking iron supplements can check after a few months whether the stores are building up.
Fatigue is a commonly reported complaint; low iron stores are one of the possible factors that can be investigated.
Wat betekent uw uitslag
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 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.
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.
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.
Hoe wij uw uitslag interpreteren
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
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Ferritin with a theme package or related markers.
Veelgestelde vragen
No, you do not need to fast for a ferritin measurement.
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.
No, men have on average a higher ferritin level than women, partly due to blood loss through menstruation. Reference ranges are therefore sex-specific.
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.
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.
Good sources of iron include red meat, liver, legumes, dark leafy vegetables (such as spinach), wholegrain products, and dried fruit. Vitamin C increases absorption.
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.
Yes, the report is written in medical language and contains all relevant laboratory information.
In the Health Guide
For €69 you receive your ferritin level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 business days. No referral required.
Order Ferritin for €69 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Ferritin with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
Customer service
Available on weekdays from 9:00 – 17:00
