What Is a Normal Ferritin Level?
Normal ranges: Ferritin (women) 16–232 ng/mL (many clinicians aim for >50); Ferritin (men) 38–380 ng/mL. Values outside these ranges may point to a condition that needs further evaluation.
Reference Range Table
| Marker | Low | Normal | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferritin (women) | Below 16 ng/mL — depleted iron stores | 16–232 ng/mL (many clinicians aim for >50) | Above 232 ng/mL — inflammation or iron overload |
| Ferritin (men) | Below 38 ng/mL — low iron stores | 38–380 ng/mL | Above 380 ng/mL — inflammation or iron overload |
What Affects Your Results
Inflammation and infection (ferritin rises as part of the immune response), liver disease, alcohol use, recent blood donation, menstruation, and vigorous exercise can all affect ferritin levels.
When to Retest
If supplementing for iron deficiency, retest in 8-12 weeks. Once optimal (>50 ng/mL), every 6-12 months for women and annually for men.
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