What Ferritin tells you
Red and white blood cell markers relating to oxygen transport, immune cells, and iron status. They form part of a routine blood picture interpreted by a clinician.
Which Honed panels include Ferritin
Ferritin is measured in the Essential Panel and Performance Panel. Every sample is collected at a pathology collection centre and processed at a NATA-accredited laboratory against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure online report.
Why Ferritin matters
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body and is used clinically as a marker of total body iron stores. Ferritin levels reflect iron availability for hemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, and mitochondrial electron transport. In athletes, ferritin is particularly important because iron is needed for aerobic performance and training adaptation; iron deficiency impairs oxygen delivery and aerobic capacity. Ferritin is also an acute phase reactant and can be elevated by inflammation or liver disease.
The range explained
Low levels
Low ferritin (below 12 µg/L) indicates depleted iron stores and risk of iron-deficiency anaemia. This impairs hemoglobin synthesis and aerobic performance.
Normal range
Reference range: 12–150 µg/L in women, 24–300 µg/L in men (note: ranges vary). Values above 30 µg/L generally indicate adequate iron stores.
High levels
Elevated ferritin (above 150 µg/L in women, above 300 µg/L in men) may indicate iron overload, chronic inflammation, or liver disease. Can also occur with repeated training stress and inflammation.
What affects Ferritin
- Training: Endurance training increases iron utilization and can lower ferritin; iron supplementation in athletes with low ferritin improves endurance performance.
- Nutrition: Red meat, legumes, and fortified grains provide dietary iron. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; tea and coffee inhibit it. Female athletes and vegetarians are at higher risk of iron deficiency.
- Sleep: Sleep supports hematologic adaptation. Poor sleep may impair iron-dependent processes.
- Stress: Chronic training stress increases iron utilization and can lower ferritin in athletes.
When to retest
Every 8–12 weeks for endurance athletes (especially women) or those with low ferritin; every 12 months for general health.
Why athletes care
Endurance athletes closely monitor ferritin because adequate iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis and aerobic performance; low ferritin directly impairs endurance capacity.
Related haematology markers
FAQ
What does the Ferritin blood test measure?
A marker of stored iron. Ferritin is commonly reviewed when looking at iron status and is interpreted alongside other iron markers.
Which Honed Health panels include Ferritin?
Ferritin is included in the Essential and Performance panels.
What unit is Ferritin measured in?
Ferritin is reported in µg/L, measured at NATA-accredited laboratories against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure report.