Ferritin: normal range and what it means
Your iron stores — low means depletion, very high can signal inflammation.
Normal range
This marker’s healthy range depends on sex and age.
| Normal range | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 40 ng/mL | < 30 ng/mL |
| Optimal | 40 – 250 ng/mL | 30 – 150 ng/mL |
| High | ≥ 250 ng/mL | ≥ 150 ng/mL |
What it measures
A measure of stored iron. Low ferritin causes fatigue and hair loss; very high can reflect inflammation or iron overload.
What moves it
Iron intake, blood loss (incl. menstruation), inflammation.
How to bring it into range
Iron-rich foods + vitamin C for low levels; investigate the cause if high.
How fast it responds
Weeks to months.
Also reported as: serum ferritin
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Common questions
- What is a normal Ferritin level?
- Optimal: 40 – 250 ng/mL. This marker’s healthy range depends on sex and age.
- What does a high Ferritin mean?
- A value above the reference band means Ferritin is outside the range typical for a healthy adult. A single reading is rarely conclusive on its own — what matters is the trend across draws and the other markers around it, which is why HealthOS reads the whole panel together rather than one number at a time.
- How do I improve my Ferritin?
- Iron-rich foods + vitamin C for low levels; investigate the cause if high.
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Reference ranges are general-population guidance compiled from common clinical laboratories, not a diagnosis. Lab-to-lab ranges differ. Always read your results with your doctor.