Helvy
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Inflammation
In the UK, the standard clinical (NHS) reference range for Ferritin (Iron Stores) is 30-400 ng/mL, with 80-150 ng/mL considered the performance-optimised range. A result within these ranges suggests typical status; only a qualified clinician can interpret an individual reading.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. Blood ferritin levels are the most reliable indicator of total body iron stores. Ferritin also acts as an acute-phase reactant, meaning levels can rise during inflammation, infection, or liver disease — making interpretation context-dependent.
Optimal range · UK
80-150 ng/mL
Performance-optimised band · clinical (NHS) range 30-400 ng/mL
Reference ranges for Ferritin, not a personal result. Any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Optimal ranges
| Range | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinical (NHS) reference range | 30-400 ng/mL |
| Performance-optimised range | 80-150 ng/mL |
The clinical range defines what is considered medically “normal” — broad enough to cover 95% of the population. The performance range reflects where research and clinical experience suggest most people feel and function at their best. A result in either range suggests typical status and is not a diagnosis; any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Why it matters
Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and cognitive function. Low ferritin — even within the 'normal' clinical range — is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of persistent fatigue in active men. Athletes and men who train regularly deplete iron through sweat, foot-strike haemolysis, and increased red blood cell turnover. Ferritin below 50 ng/mL in an active man often correlates with reduced endurance, poor recovery, and unexplained performance plateaus.
Symptoms
Low / Deficiency
High / Excess
Dietary sources
Supplementation
Iron bisglycinate is the preferred supplemental form due to superior absorption and fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Typical dose: 25-50 mg elemental iron daily, taken with vitamin C (200 mg) to enhance absorption. Avoid taking with calcium, tea, or coffee which inhibit absorption. Iron supplementation should only be initiated when ferritin is confirmed low — excess iron is toxic. Retest at 90 days.
Testing
Ferritin is measured from a blood sample. With Helvy, that means a finger-prick kit taken at home and posted to a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory, with results in around 5 days, reviewed by a qualified clinician. Your result is reported against both the clinical range (30-400 ng/mL) and the performance-optimal range (80-150 ng/mL), so you can see not just whether you are “normal” but whether you are optimal. If you make a change, retest after 8-12 weeks to confirm it worked.
Research
Iron deficiency without anaemia is a potential cause of fatigue: meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and observational studies
Houston BL, Hurrie D, Graham J, et al.
BMJ Open (2018)
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022199Related biomarkers
Related guides
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Your data suggests areas for optimisation, but any concerns should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. If your results flag values outside safe ranges, we recommend consulting your GP.
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