What is it?
The body's main iron storage protein. Low ferritin = depleted iron stores; high ferritin = iron overload or inflammation.
Why it matters for long-term health
A frequent and easily missed cause of fatigue, hair loss, brain fog and exercise intolerance — especially in menstruating women.
Longevity and healthy ageing
Optimal iron status supports cognitive function, immunity and exercise capacity. Both deficiency and overload accelerate ageing.
What a high result may indicate
over 300 µg/L (men) or over 200 (women) — investigate haemochromatosis, fatty liver, alcohol use or inflammation.
What a low result may indicate
under 30 µg/L = iron deficiency, even with normal haemoglobin. under 15 = severe.
Common symptoms of abnormal levels
- •Fatigue
- •Hair shedding
- •Restless legs
- •Cold intolerance
- •Breathlessness
- •Brittle nails
- •Pica
Risk factors
- •Menorrhagia
- •Vegetarian/vegan diet
- •Pregnancy
- •Bariatric surgery
- •Coeliac or IBD
- •Frequent blood donation
Associated medical conditions
- •Iron deficiency anaemia
- •Haemochromatosis
- •NAFLD
- •Chronic inflammation
How a British GP interprets your result
Interpreted with full blood count, transferrin saturation, B12, folate and CRP — ferritin rises with inflammation so a 'normal' value can hide deficiency.
Further investigations we may arrange
- •Iron studies
- •FBC
- •Coeliac screen
- •Faecal occult blood / FIT
- •Liver function for overload
Lifestyle measures that may improve your result
- •Iron-rich foods with vitamin C
- •Treat menstrual loss
- •Avoid tea with meals
- •Consider supplementation under guidance
Evidence-based treatment options
- •Oral iron 3x weekly (better absorbed than daily)
- •IV iron infusion at home for severe or intolerant cases
- •Venesection for haemochromatosis
When to retest
8–12 weeks after starting iron.
Have this assessment at home, hotel, office or in our Business Bay clinic
Same British GP. Same evidence-based plan. Same-day visits across Dubai — usually within 60–90 minutes of booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a Ferritin blood test at home in Dubai?+
Yes — our DHA-licensed nurse draws Ferritin at your home, hotel, villa or office anywhere in Dubai, usually within 60–90 minutes of booking. Your result is then reviewed by a British-trained GP who calls you to explain it in plain English.
Do I need to fast before a Ferritin test?+
Most patients do not need to fast for Ferritin specifically. If we are running a fuller panel (lipids, glucose, insulin) we will advise an overnight fast — our team confirms this when you book.
How quickly will I get my Ferritin result?+
Standard turnaround is 24–48 hours from a DHA-accredited laboratory. Your named British GP then calls you personally with the interpretation and a written wellness plan — not a PDF you have to decode alone.
Is Ferritin covered by insurance?+
Most premium UAE and international insurers reimburse — we provide a fully coded invoice at the visit. Reimbursement typically arrives within 5–10 working days.