Iron: What It Means for Your Health
Serum iron measures the amount of iron currently bound to transferrin in your bloodstream. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism. Unlike ferritin (which measures stored iron), serum iron fluctuates significantly throughout the day and is affected by recent meals, making it less reliable as a standalone test.
Reference Range
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.
What Is Iron?
Serum iron measures the amount of iron currently bound to transferrin in your bloodstream. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism. Unlike ferritin (which measures stored iron), serum iron fluctuates significantly throughout the day and is affected by recent meals, making it less reliable as a standalone test.
Commonly included in:
What Does High Iron Mean?
Elevated serum iron can result from hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload), excessive iron supplementation, hemolytic anemia (red blood cell destruction releases iron), liver damage, or multiple blood transfusions. Iron overload can damage the heart, liver, and pancreas over time.
What Does Low Iron Mean?
Low serum iron indicates the body is not getting or absorbing enough iron. Common causes include iron-deficient diet, malabsorption (celiac disease, Crohn's), chronic blood loss, heavy menstruation, or chronic disease. Note that serum iron alone is not sufficient to diagnose iron deficiency — it should be interpreted alongside ferritin and TIBC.
Related Biomarkers in Iron Studies
Track Your Iron Over Time
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.