Serum Iron
Serum iron measures the amount of iron bound to transferrin (the iron transport protein) in your blood. Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, myoglobin (muscle oxygen storage), and many enzymes. Serum iron fluctuates significantly throughout the day and with meals, making it less reliable than ferritin for assessing iron stores.
Reference Ranges
Male
65 – 175
µg/dL
Female
50 – 170
µg/dL
Child
50 – 120
µg/dL
Ages 1–12
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Always compare with the range printed on your lab report.
What Low Levels Mean
Low serum iron suggests iron deficiency, which can be due to inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption (celiac disease), blood loss (menstruation, GI bleeding), or increased demand (pregnancy, growth). Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and the leading cause of anemia in India.
What High Levels Mean
High serum iron can indicate hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload), excessive iron supplementation, hemolytic anemia (red cells releasing iron), or liver disease. Iron overload damages the liver, heart, and pancreas over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is serum iron the best test for iron deficiency?
No. Ferritin is the best single test for iron stores. Serum iron fluctuates throughout the day, with meals, and with inflammation. Ferritin reflects long-term iron storage. A full iron panel (serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, transferrin saturation) gives the most complete picture.
Can I have iron deficiency without anemia?
Yes — iron depletion occurs in stages. First, iron stores fall (low ferritin), then serum iron drops (iron-deficient erythropoiesis), and finally hemoglobin falls (iron deficiency anemia). You can have fatigue, poor concentration, and hair loss from iron deficiency before anemia develops.
Why is iron deficiency so common in India?
Several factors contribute: vegetarian diets with lower bioavailable iron (plant iron is absorbed less efficiently than meat iron), high phytate content in Indian grains (inhibits iron absorption), tea/coffee consumption with meals, and high rates of intestinal worm infections in some regions.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for interpretation of your test results.
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