Is my Iron (Serum) normal?
Free blood test checker · Standard + longevity-optimal ranges
What is a normal Iron level?
Serum iron measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood. Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. Both low and high iron are problematic — deficiency causes anemia and fatigue, while excess iron (hemochromatosis) can damage organs. Normal range is 60-170 µg/dL.
| Range | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard Reference | 60–170 µg/dL |
| High Risk | > 200 µg/dL |
| Low Risk | < 40 µg/dL |
What causes abnormal Iron levels?
Low iron is caused by inadequate dietary intake (especially in vegetarians/vegans), blood loss (heavy menstruation, GI bleeding from ulcers or colon polyps), poor absorption (celiac disease, gastric bypass), pregnancy, and chronic inflammation. High iron can be caused by hereditary hemochromatosis, excessive supplementation, frequent blood transfusions, and liver disease.
When should you see a doctor?
See your doctor if iron is below 60 µg/dL with symptoms of fatigue, weakness, or pale skin, or above 170 µg/dL. Always test iron alongside ferritin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation for a complete picture. Women with heavy periods should be screened regularly.
Iron and longevity
Iron metabolism sits at a critical intersection of longevity science. Both iron deficiency and iron overload accelerate aging — deficiency impairs mitochondrial energy production, while excess iron generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Fenton chemistry, causing oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. Hereditary hemochromatosis (HFE gene mutations, ~1 in 200 Northern Europeans) causes gradual iron overload that damages the liver, heart, and pancreas if undetected. Serum iron alone is a poor marker — it fluctuates dramatically with meals and time of day. Ferritin plus transferrin saturation gives the true picture of iron status.
Where to get a Iron test
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Related biomarkers
These biomarkers are often tested alongside Iron for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal iron level?
What is the difference between iron and ferritin?
Can you have too much iron?
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Sources: Reference ranges based on AHA/ACC, ADA, and AACE clinical guidelines. Biological variation data from Ricos/Westgard database. Longevity-optimal ranges reflect targets used by preventive and functional medicine practitioners.
Last reviewed: April 2026. This tool provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific results.