Ferritin

Iron Studies marker

Ferritin

Category: Iron Studies
Unit: ug/L

Protein that stores iron. Low levels indicate depleted iron stores.

PED Notes

Regular blood donation (recommended for AAS users with high haematocrit) depletes ferritin. Also an acute phase reactant so can be falsely elevated with inflammation. Optimal for athletes: 50-150 ug/L.

Supplements (when low):

  • Iron Bisglycinate -- with Vitamin C 500mg for absorption
  • Take away from calcium, coffee, and tea

Guidelines:

  • Supplement between donations if ferritin drops below 30 ug/L
  • Recheck ferritin 6-8 weeks after starting supplementation

References:

  • Camaschella, C. (2015). Iron-deficiency anemia. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(19), 1832-1843. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra1401038
  • Bachman, E., Travison, T. G., Basaria, S., et al. (2014). Testosterone induces erythrocytosis via increased erythropoietin and suppressed hepcidin. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 69(6), 725-735. DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glt154

History Chart

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

30 - 300 ug/L

VitalMetrics Range

50 - 200 ug/L

Statistics