An Update on Ferritin

The ODX Range for ferritin was recently updated from 30 – 70 ng/mL (30 – 70 ug/L) to 45 - 79 ng/mL (45 - 79 ug/L). This was based on a review of the literature that suggests the following:

• Ferritin above 127 may be associated with cancer, while cancer-free subjects maintained a mean ferritin of 76.4
• Ferritin of 70-79 was associated with lower mortality and decreased markers of inflammation.
• Elevated ferritin is associated with an increase in other inflammatory biomarkers, including TNF-alpha and hs-CRP, as well as CVD severity.
• Ferritin above 100 may be associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Ferritin of 30 or below is associated with iron depletion and decreased erythropoiesis and is often accompanied by reduced hemoglobin, MCV, and reticulocytes.
• Ferritin below 41 has a sensitivity and specificity of 98% for iron deficiency anemia in the absence of infection or inflammation, which can transiently increase serum ferritin.

Ferritin is not considered a stand-alone diagnostic biomarker and must be evaluated as part of a pattern when evaluating physiological function and disease risk. It is especially important to evaluate biomarkers over time and identify trends towards or away from dysfunction.

Although commercial labs report separate ferritin ranges for males and females, a single ODX range of 45 – 79 is a starting point for further evaluating iron deficiency anemia, inflammation, infection, and cardiovascular risk.

The single ODX range reflects research that does not define gender-based limits when providing conclusions or recommendations.

For more information on specific research and recommendations, please CLICK HERE to visit the ODX Research Blog entry for Ferritin.