New Blood Tests for Alzheimer's: Should You Get Tested?

Ferritin is a protein found in the body that stores iron and releases it when needed. A ferritin blood test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood, which helps healthcare providers assess how much iron your body has stored. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. When your body needs iron, ferritin releases it in controlled amounts. Low ferritin levels typically indicate iron deficiency, while high levels may suggest excess iron storage or other health conditions.

Your doctor may order a ferritin test if you have symptoms of iron deficiency, such as unusual tiredness, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat. The test may also be recommended if you have symptoms of too much iron, including joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, or heart problems. Additionally, ferritin testing helps monitor chronic conditions that affect iron levels, such as anemia, liver disease, or inflammatory disorders. The test is performed using a simple blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm.

Normal ferritin levels vary depending on age and sex. For adult men, normal ranges are typically between 24 and 336 nanograms per milliliter. For adult women, the range is usually 11 to 307 nanograms per milliliter. Children and adolescents have different reference ranges. Low ferritin levels often indicate iron deficiency anemia, which can result from inadequate dietary iron intake, blood loss, pregnancy, or poor iron absorption. Very low levels require medical attention as they can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

High ferritin levels can have several causes beyond simple iron overload. Conditions such as hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder causing excessive iron absorption, can elevate ferritin significantly. Liver disease, certain cancers, chronic inflammatory conditions, hyperthyroidism, and excessive alcohol consumption can also raise ferritin levels. Because ferritin is an acute phase reactant, it increases during inflammation or infection, which means elevated levels do not always indicate excess iron. Your healthcare provider will interpret your ferritin results alongside other tests and your medical history to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.