Library/Iron/Ferritin/39

Ferritin of 39 ng/mLWhat it means, and what usually happens next

39ng/mL Ferritin
Low-normal
153045150300

A ferritin of 39 ng/mL is inside many labs' ranges but under 45 ng/mL, the cut-off the American Gastroenterological Association uses for iron deficiency in people with anaemia.

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Ferritin39ng/mL
Where it fallsLow-normal
The usual rangeabout 30 to 300 ng/mL, depending on the lab, sex and age

What usually happens next

With a normal hemoglobin it usually needs nothing. With anaemia, it points towards iron deficiency.

When a ferritin can read wrong

Ferritin is also an inflammation marker: an infection, an inflammatory condition, fatty liver or heavy drinking can push it up and hide low iron. In those cases a ferritin under 70 ng/mL can still mean iron deficiency.

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Questions

Is a ferritin of 39 ng/mL normal?

A ferritin of 39 ng/mL is inside many labs' ranges but under 45 ng/mL, the cut-off the American Gastroenterological Association uses for iron deficiency in people with anaemia. The usual range is about 30 to 300 ng/mL, depending on the lab, sex and age.

Is a ferritin of 39 ng/mL too low?

Under 15 ng/mL means iron stores are empty, and under 30 they're likely depleted. Between 30 and 45 it's low-normal; what matters is whether you're anaemic and why.

Can I take iron with a ferritin of 39 ng/mL?

Iron is something to replace with your doctor, after finding out why it's low, because taking it when you don't need it can do harm.

Worked out by LifeFrom from the WHO's 2020 ferritin guideline and the AGA guideline, and not yet reviewed by a clinician. For your own understanding: only a lab test, read by your clinician, diagnoses anything.