Library/Iron/Ferritin/46

Ferritin of 46 ng/mLWhat it means, and what usually happens next

46ng/mL Ferritin
Typical
153045150300

A ferritin of 46 ng/mL is in the typical range.

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Ferritin46ng/mL
Where it fallsTypical
The usual rangeabout 30 to 300 ng/mL, depending on the lab, sex and age

What usually happens next

Nothing to act on; ferritin rises with inflammation, so it's read with CRP if you've been unwell.

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 46 ng/mL normal?

A ferritin of 46 ng/mL is in the typical range. The usual range is about 30 to 300 ng/mL, depending on the lab, sex and age.

Is a ferritin of 46 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 46 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.