Question 1

What ferritin level is too low?

Accepted Answer

Below about 30 ng/mL usually means iron stores are low, and below 15 ng/mL strongly suggests iron deficiency, even if your lab’s range starts lower. Your clinician will look at your symptoms, blood count and the likely cause before deciding on treatment.

Question 2

Can low ferritin cause tiredness?

Accepted Answer

It can. Low iron stores, with or without anemia, are linked with tiredness and reduced exercise tolerance in some people. Tiredness has many causes, though, so it is worth discussing the whole picture with your clinician.

Question 3

Is high ferritin dangerous?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the cause. Most mildly high results reflect inflammation, fatty liver or alcohol and are not dangerous in themselves, but the cause is worth finding. Very high ferritin, or a high ferritin with a high transferrin saturation, needs prompt follow-up.

Question 4

How long does it take to raise ferritin?

Accepted Answer

With iron treatment, hemoglobin often improves within a few weeks, but refilling iron stores usually takes about three months or more. Your clinician will usually recheck ferritin after a course of treatment.