What is the Normal Iron Level?

Iron plays a crucial role in hemoglobin production, enabling red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. So, what is the normal iron level? 

What is the Normal Iron Level?

Normal iron levels vary based on age, gender, medical history, and other factors. The following are the normal iron levels for men, women, and children:

• Men: 70 - 175 micrograms/deciliter.
• Women: 50 - 170 micrograms/deciliter.
• Children: 50 - 120 micrograms/deciliter.

Iron levels are typically measured through a blood test called Serum Iron test, which assesses the amount of iron in the blood, excluding the stored iron in different parts of the body. 

Blazma offers an iron test, which your doctor may request you to perform in the morning after fasting overnight to bring iron levels closer to the normal range. It also involves discontinuing certain medications and dietary supplements that could affect the test results.

Other Tests to Measure Iron Levels

After understanding the normal iron level in the body, here are other tests used to measure iron levels indirectly and assess specific blood counts in the body:

1. Hemoglobin Test

Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood responsible for carrying oxygen to various tissues in the body. A decrease in hemoglobin levels indicates a reduced number of red blood cells, a condition known as anemia. Iron deficiency is considered the most common cause of anemia. 

The normal hemoglobin levels in the body vary based on age and gender: 

• For Men: 13.2 - 16.6 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood.
• For Women: 11.6 - 15 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood.
• For Children: Hemoglobin levels vary depending on the child's age:

The Hemoglobin electrophoresis test can be performed in Blazma.

2. Hematocrit Test

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume composed of red blood cells. A decrease in hematocrit levels indicates anemia, with iron deficiency being the most common cause. 

The normal hematocrit levels are as follows:

• For Men: 38.3 - 48.6%.
• For Women: 35.5 - 44.9%.

3. Transferrin Saturation Test

Transferrin is the main protein that carries iron in the blood. Its levels can be directly measured or indirectly assessed by calculating the Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) through other blood components. 

The Transferrin Saturation analysis tells us how much iron in the blood is bound to transferrin, indicating the individual's iron level (whether it is low or high). The normal range for transferrin saturation is 20-50% for men, women, and children. 

Blazma offers a Transferrin Saturation test, requiring fasting for 8-12 hours before the examination, and discontinuation of certain medications and vitamins that may affect the results.

4. Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test

This test measures the amount of transferrin in the blood that can bind to iron, assessing the ability to bind and transport additional iron throughout the body. The normal range for TIBC is 240-450 micrograms/deciliter. 

Blazma provides this examination under the name Total Iron-Binding Capacity.

5. Ferritin Test

Ferritin is a protein responsible for storing iron in the body. Low levels usually indicate decreased iron stores. 

The normal levels of ferritin in the blood are:

• Men: 24-336 nanograms/mL
• Women: 24-307 nanograms/mL
• Children's normal levels vary based on age:

• • Newborns: 25-200 nanograms/mL

  • 1 month: 200-600 nanograms/mL

  • 2-5 months: 50-200 nanograms/mL

  • 5 months - 15 years: 7-140 nanograms/mL

You can perform a Ferritin test at Blazma, which requires discontinuation of certain medications and supplements before the test.

Now that you are familiar with normal iron levels in the body, dear reader, do not hesitate to undergo testing if symptoms of iron deficiency appear, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin, among others.