I think Ferritin is the best marker for total body iron stores. The lab range for men is 30 to 400 ng/mL, and I think it’s 25 to 300ng/mL for women.
The Zacharski trials showed a lower mortality rate for men with ferritin levels at 80ng/mL or below. So, a good target range would probably be about 25-80ng/mL. I tend to favor the lower end of that range. I’ve heard some people say that the lower end might be too low, and that a ferritin target of about 40-60ng/mL might be better, especially if you are highly active. Although I have tested as low as 18 ng/mL, and felt great, and showed no anemia symptoms. My hemoglobin number was above 13.5, and that seems to be the most important number in regards to anemia concerns.
So, 25 to 80 ng/mL is a good target.
Author
