Iron Meaning
Iron is an important building block. Among other things, iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that can bind oxygen. Iron is therefore not the same as hemoglobin, but the two are closely related.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. When determining iron levels, it is important to also measure the biomarkers ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation. This provides a more complete picture of iron status. Low iron in combination with low ferritin indicates iron deficiency.
Iron levels may also be significantly elevated. In that case, there may be a (hereditary) storage disease. An excess of iron is deposited in the liver, where it can cause problems.
Iron levels in men and women:
Here is an overview of iron levels in men and women, so you know exactly when your iron levels are normal, low, or high. This will help you better understand what is considered a healthy iron level and when your levels may be too low or too high, which could indicate underlying health issues.
- Normal: A ferritin level between 15.75 and 142.5 µg/L is considered normal. This indicates a healthy amount of iron in the body.
- Low: When the ferritin level is below 15 µg/L, this is considered abnormal and too low. This may indicate iron deficiency and should be investigated further in combination with other iron values. Values between 15 and 15.75 µg/L are considered “cautionary,” meaning they are at the lower limit of normal.
- High: A ferritin value above 142.5 µg/L falls within the high range of normal values. Values between 142.5 and 150 µg/L are considered “cautionary,” meaning that the ferritin level is at the upper limit of normal. If the ferritin level exceeds 150 µg/L, it is considered abnormal and too high, which may indicate iron overload or another underlying condition. Further testing is then necessary.
Iron levels in men and women: detailed explanation
| Result | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deviant | µg/L | 0 - 5.9 | 18 - 100 | Man & Woman | The iron level is outside the normal range and is too low. The interpretation depends on the other values in the iron spectrum. |
| Caution | µg/L | 5.9 - 6.2 | 18 - 100 | Man & Woman | The iron is still within normal values, but is on the low side. |
| Normal | µg/L | 6.2 - 32.78 | 18 - 100 | Man & Woman | The iron is good. |
| Caution | µg/L | 32.78 - 34.5 | 18 - 100 | Man & Woman | The iron is still within normal values, but is on the high side. |
| Deviant | µg/L | 34.5 - 100 | 18 - 100 | Man & Woman | The iron is outside the normal range and is too high. The interpretation depends on the other values in the iron spectrum. |
