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Ferritin in the blood
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Ferritin is a water-soluble complex of iron hydroxide with the protein apoferritin. It is found in the cells of the liver, spleen, red bone marrow, and reticulocytes. Ferritin is present in small amounts in the blood serum, where it performs the function of transporting iron from reticuloendothelial to parenchymatous liver cells.
Ferritin is the main human protein that stores iron. Ferritin and hemosiderin contain 15-20% of the total amount of iron in the body. Although ferritin is present in small amounts in the blood serum, its concentration reflects iron reserves. Low ferritin values are the first indicator of a decrease in iron reserves in the body. Determination of ferritin in the blood serum is used to diagnose and monitor iron deficiency or excess, and differential diagnosis of anemia.
Reference values (norm) of serum ferritin concentration
Age |
Serum ferritin concentration, ng/ml (mcg/l) |
Newborns |
25-200 |
1 month |
200-600 |
2-5 months |
50-200 |
6 months - 15 years |
7-140 |
Adults: |
|
Men |
20-250 |
Women |
10-120 |
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