Ferritin vs. Hemoglobin: Why You Should Know the Difference

Written By Ferrivian Tiimi

When you get a blood test for fatigue or general health, your doctor might check your hemoglobin levels. Most people are familiar with this number. It's the one that tells you if you're anemic or not. But there's another iron-related marker that often flies under the radar: ferritin.

Understanding ferritin is key to catching iron deficiency early—before it turns into full-blown anemia. In this article, we'll break it all down simply: what ferritin is, how it's different from hemoglobin, and why knowing both matters.



What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a protein found in your red blood cells. Its job is to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Low hemoglobin = low oxygen = fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath.

Doctors use hemoglobin to diagnose anemia. But here's the catch: by the time your hemoglobin is low, you've probably been low in iron for a while.


Happy woman who has fixed her ferritin levels.

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Think of it as your body's iron savings account.

  • When your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, it pulls from ferritin.

  • If your ferritin is low, your body doesn't have enough iron in reserve.

Even if your hemoglobin looks fine, low ferritin means you're heading toward iron deficiency.


Hemoglobin vs. Ferritin: Key Differences

Why Ferritin Matters

Many people—especially women—can have low ferritin but normal hemoglobin. This stage is often missed in routine blood tests.

Symptoms of low ferritin (even if you're not anemic):

  • Fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Hair thinning

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Dizziness

By the time hemoglobin drops, you're already anemic. Ferritin helps you catch it earlier.

How to Check Ferritin Levels

Ask your doctor to add a ferritin test to your bloodwork. It’s a simple blood test, but not always included in basic panels.

Normal ferritin ranges vary, but many experts consider:

  • Below 30 ng/mL: low

  • 30–50 ng/mL: borderline

  • 50–100+ ng/mL: healthy (especially for women of reproductive age)

Always talk to a healthcare provider about your results.

Who Should Care About Ferritin?

Ferritin matters for everyone, but especially if you:

  • Feel tired all the time

  • Have heavy periods

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Follow a vegan/vegetarian diet

  • Are an athlete

These groups often have higher iron needs or more iron loss.

What To Do If Your Ferritin Is Low

If your ferritin is low, your doctor might suggest:

  • Iron supplements (always follow dosage instructions)

  • Eating iron-rich foods: red meat, organ meats, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds

  • Pairing iron with vitamin C to boost absorption

  • Avoiding coffee/tea with meals, as they can block iron uptake

You may need a few months to see improvement. Recheck levels as advised.


FAQs About Ferritin and Hemoglobin

  • Yes. This is called "non-anemic iron deficiency." It's common, especially in women.

  • It varies, but many experts recommend aiming for 50+ ng/mL, especially if you have symptoms.

  • Usually, yes—but always check with a doctor. The wrong dose or type of iron can cause side effects.

  • It can take 1 to 3 months or longer, depending on your levels and treatment.

  • If you're in a high-risk group or have symptoms, yes. Ferritin gives an early warning for iron issues.

Don’t just stop at hemoglobin. Ferritin tells the full story of your iron health. Knowing your levels can help you take action early, feel better faster, and avoid bigger issues down the line.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before starting supplements or making major health changes.



Ferrivian Tiimi