Nutritional

Ferritin

Serum Ferritin. Measured in clinic at The Wellness in Marylebone, read by a doctor.

What It Is

Ferritin is the protein the body uses to store iron, and the level in your blood broadly reflects the size of those iron stores. It is usually the first test a clinician looks at when assessing iron status.

Why It Matters

Iron is essential for making haemoglobin and carrying oxygen, and low stores are among the most common findings behind persistent tiredness. Ferritin can fall well before a full blood count shows anaemia, so it offers an early view.

What Results Can Suggest

A low ferritin can suggest depleted iron stores, which may relate to diet, absorption or blood loss. A high ferritin can reflect iron overload, but ferritin also rises with inflammation and liver conditions, so a raised result does not automatically mean excess iron. A doctor should interpret the result in context, so discuss it with one.

This page is general information, not medical advice and not a substitute for a consultation. Reference ranges vary between laboratories, and results should always be interpreted by a doctor who knows your history.