All about ferritin levels

Some laboratories use a lower limit of 30 µg/l. For example, OLVG has raised the lower limit since October 2024 and made it equal for men and women. That is a laboratory-specific choice, not proof that every other reference interval is incorrect or that everyone should exceed a fixed value.

What symptoms can match iron deficiency?

Possible symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, reduced exercise capacity, and shortness of breath during exertion. Palpitations and paleness can also occur, especially in cases of anemia. Sometimes hair loss or restless legs are mentioned.

These symptoms are not specific to a low ferritin level. A measurement can contribute to the investigation but does not automatically prove that iron deficiency is the cause of all symptoms. Discuss persistent symptoms with your doctor.

What can cause low ferritin?

Iron deficiency can arise from blood loss, increased need, insufficient intake, or reduced absorption. Examples include:

• Heavy menstruation or other blood loss.

• Pregnancy and recovery after childbirth.

• A diet that provides insufficient iron.

• Regular blood donation.

• Diseases of the stomach or intestines that affect absorption.

A vegetarian or vegan diet does not necessarily cause a deficiency, but it does require attention to sufficient iron. Do not rely solely on diet as an explanation: unexplained iron deficiency deserves investigation of the cause.

What does a high ferritin level mean?

Ferritin can rise during inflammation or infection. Liver problems, alcohol use, and other conditions can also play a role. Sometimes a persistently elevated value fits with iron overload, like hemochromatosis.

A high ferritin level is therefore no reason to self-diagnose iron overload. The doctor considers the level and progression, your symptoms, and additional measurements.

Why are several values often measured?

Hb helps to establish anemia. Other iron values, like transferrin and transferrin saturation, can provide additional information. CRP can help in recognizing inflammation. The useful combination depends on the question being investigated.

During inflammation, ferritin can be normal or elevated while iron deficiency is present. That explains why one result is not always sufficient for a conclusion.

What can you do with a low ferritin level?

First discuss the cause. Iron-rich foods include meat, legumes, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C with the meal helps the absorption of plant-based iron. Tea and coffee with the meal can actually inhibit that absorption.

Do not start high doses of iron supplements on your own initiative. Sometimes treatment is necessary, but the choice and duration depend on the cause and your situation. Make appointments with your doctor about treatment and any control measurements.

Having your ferritin measured

At BloedCheckup, you can request a blood test without referral. Check the and see which markers are included in the chosen test. A single ferritin measurement and a more extensive investigation do not answer the same question.

You usually do not need to be fasting for a single ferritin measurement. If you combine it with other tests, follow the preparation instructions with your order.

Sources

• NHG — Standard Anemia

• Deventer Hospital — Lab Guide Ferritin

• OLVG — Normal ferritin values adjusted

• WHO — Use of ferritin in assessing iron status