Ferritin: what it means.

Iron storage. Low ferritin is a leading cause of fatigue, especially in menstruating women.

Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 27 Jun 2026
Typical reference bands (ng/mL)
Lowunder 30 ng/mL
Borderline low30-50 ng/mL
Optimal50-150 ng/mL
Highover 400 ng/mL
Ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, your lab's own reference range always takes precedence.
What does low ferritin mean?Causes, symptoms & what to do →What does high ferritin mean?Causes, symptoms & what to do →

Common causes

  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Low dietary iron or a mostly plant-based diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood loss from the gut
  • Poor absorption from low stomach acid or celiac disease

What it can feel like

  • Fatigue and low stamina
  • Hair shedding
  • Pale skin
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Restless legs at night
  • Breathlessness on exertion

Who should test

Especially useful for menstruating women, vegetarians, endurance athletes, and anyone with unexplained fatigue or hair loss. A high ferritin should be reviewed with a doctor, as it can reflect inflammation or iron overload.

Supplements that help raise Ferritin

Evidence-led, and only a piece of the picture, diet, lifestyle, and your clinician matter most.

Iron bisglycinate is a gentle, well-absorbed form; taking it with vitamin C improves uptake, while coffee, tea, and calcium reduce it, so spacing matters.

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Common questions

What does a low Ferritin mean?
Common drivers include heavy menstrual periods; low dietary iron or a mostly plant-based diet; pregnancy. A result outside the optimal range is best read in context: discuss it with your clinician, who can weigh the full picture and your lab's own reference range.
What supplements help raise Ferritin?
Evidence-led options include Iron Bisglycinate, Vitamin C. They support, but don't replace, diet, lifestyle, and medical care.

Educational use only, not medical advice or diagnosis. Always interpret lab results with a qualified clinician.