Ferritin
The optimal range for Ferritin (Ferritin (Iron Storage)) is commonly cited as 70–150 ng/mL is a common optimization target, tighter than the standard lab reference range of 30–400 ng/mL (men); 15–150 ng/mL (women). Iron storage protein - the best single marker of iron status, but an acute phase reactant too.
How Ferritin ranges relate
The standard lab range vs the optimization-focused target. Illustrative trajectory shows what a 12-week improvement pattern looks like — not real user data.
What Ferritin Measures
Ferritin is the intracellular iron-storage protein, and serum ferritin approximates total-body iron stores. It's the single best marker for iron status - better than serum iron or transferrin alone.
Low ferritin (<30) indicates iron deficiency even if hemoglobin is still normal. Very high ferritin (>300 in men, >200 in women without inflammation) can signal iron overload (hereditary hemochromatosis, chronic transfusion, liver disease).
Caveat: ferritin is an acute phase reactant that rises with inflammation, infection, and liver damage. Elevated ferritin with elevated hs-CRP can reflect inflammation rather than true iron stores. If ferritin is high and suspicious, check transferrin saturation to confirm.
What Affects This Biomarker
Ferritin is influenced by: dietary iron intake, menstrual blood loss (in women), GI bleeding, pregnancy, inflammation (raises it falsely), liver disease, alcohol, and pharmacologic agents - iron supplementation raises it; blood donation lowers it.
In the Context of Peptide Protocols
Check ferritin on any protocol that might affect RBC production or iron demand - HGH/tesamorelin (can raise hematocrit), high-performance athletes. Low ferritin with fatigue in a menstruating woman is common and correctable with oral iron. Pair with hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and hs-CRP for full context.
Peptides That Commonly Move Ferritin
Conditions That Track Ferritin
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ferritin measure?
Ferritin is the intracellular iron-storage protein, and serum ferritin approximates total-body iron stores. It's the single best marker for iron status - better than serum iron or transferrin alone.
What is the optimal range for Ferritin?
The optimal range for Ferritin is commonly cited as 70–150 ng/mL is a common optimization target. The standard lab reference range is 30–400 ng/mL (men); 15–150 ng/mL (women).
What affects Ferritin levels?
Ferritin is influenced by: dietary iron intake, menstrual blood loss (in women), GI bleeding, pregnancy, inflammation (raises it falsely), liver disease, alcohol, and pharmacologic agents - iron supplementation raises it; blood donation lowers it.
Where This Fits in Your Panel
Ferritin is one marker on a fuller panel. The Peptide Blood Work Checklist lays out the complete baseline panel, what to add by protocol type, and when to retest.
See the full blood work checklist →Upload any lab PDF and MyProtocolStack maps your values to Ferritin and 40+ other biomarkers. StackAI interprets the trend in context of your protocol.
Start tracking →Last reviewed: June 2026
Informational only - not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual context. Work with a licensed provider to interpret your specific results.