Ferritin
Ferritin is the primary storage form of iron in the body. Population levels vary substantially by age and sex, with males having considerably higher levels than females of reproductive age.
Ferritin reflects total body iron stores. It is the most sensitive indicator of iron deficiency and is also elevated in conditions of inflammation, liver disease, and iron overload. Population reference ranges differ markedly between males and females, and shift with age, particularly in females after menopause.
Population Distribution
Box shows P25-P75. Line shows median (P50). Whiskers extend to P5 and P95. Hover for exact values.
Browse by Demographic
| Age (years) | male (ng/mL) | female (ng/mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 20–298 (95) | 8–130 (34) |
| 30-39 | 23–335 (110) | 9–142 (36) |
| 40-49 | 26–352 (122) | 10–172 (44) |
| 50-59 | 32–388 (138) | 18–245 (82) |
| 60-69 | 35–415 (155) | 22–278 (95) |
| 70+ | 38–430 (162) | 24–288 (102) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do males have higher ferritin than females?
Males do not experience menstrual blood loss, which depletes iron stores. As a result, males accumulate higher ferritin levels throughout adulthood. The gap narrows after menopause, when female levels rise toward male levels.
Why does ferritin increase with age in both sexes?
Iron accumulates gradually over a lifetime because the body has no active mechanism for excreting excess iron (losses are limited to small amounts through skin shedding, gut cell turnover, and minor bleeding). As decades pass, this slow net accumulation raises storage iron, reflected in rising ferritin levels.
Why are these population percentiles, not clinical reference ranges?
Clinical reference ranges (such as those provided by Labcorp or Quest) are derived from a selected population of presumed-healthy individuals and are designed to flag potential pathology. Population percentiles from NHANES describe the distribution in the general US population, including individuals with subclinical conditions. Both are useful and answer different questions.
Related Analytes
- serum-iron - Iron studies panel
- tibc - Iron studies panel
- transferrin-saturation - Iron studies panel