---
title: "Serum Ferritin (Iron Storage & Acute-Phase Reactant) Optimal Range vs Lab Normal (2026 Clinical Decoder & Protocol) | Nutrition Research Labs"
source_url: "https://nutritionresearchlabs.com/biomarkers/ferritin"
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description: "Decode your Serum Ferritin (Iron Storage & Acute-Phase Reactant) (Ferritin) blood test: Longevity Optimal Target (50–120 ng/mL) vs Standard Lab Normal (15–400 ng/mL), assay interference, and Grade-A clinical protocols."
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> **Canonical Source:** [https://nutritionresearchlabs.com/biomarkers/ferritin](https://nutritionresearchlabs.com/biomarkers/ferritin)
>
> *Decode your Serum Ferritin (Iron Storage & Acute-Phase Reactant) (Ferritin) blood test: Longevity Optimal Target (50–120 ng/mL) vs Standard Lab Normal (15–400 ng/mL), assay interference, and Grade-A clinical protocols.*

## Reference Range Comparison (ng/mL)

- **Longevity & Metabolic Optimal Range:** 50 – 120 ng/mL
- **Standard Lab Reference Interval ("Normal"):** 15 – 400 ng/mL
- **Why Standard Lab Ranges Mislead Patients:** The standard reference range (15 to 400 ng/mL) is egregiously broad. Levels below 30-40 ng/mL indicate profound functional iron deficiency causing hair shedding, fatigue, and restless legs, while values above 150-200 ng/mL in men often indicate occult hemochromatosis or systemic chronic inflammation.
- **Pre-Draw Supplement Assay Interference Warning:** Any concurrent viral illness, fatty liver flare, or high hs-CRP will falsely elevate serum ferritin because hepatocytes release ferritin into circulation during inflammatory stress regardless of true bone marrow iron stores.

## Decode the Next Biomarker on Your Blood Panel

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