What are normal levels of Iron in Blood
Serum iron is measured by a blood sample extracted with venipuncture. It is advisable to perform the analysis in the morning, as that is when the iron values are higher. The most common is that a physician assesses the levels of iron in the annual analytical control or when you suspect a possible iron deficiency. At OneHowTo, we help you know what the normal levels of iron are.
Contents
Normal iron levels
After venipuncture and blood tests, a laboratory doctor will provide the analytical result. To reveal the amount of iron in the blood the result should be found in the CBC section. The values that show the amount of iron in the blood are red blood cells, the hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Importantly, the number of analytical results can vary by the laboratory testing the sample. So iron values expressed below are approximate.
Red blood cells
They can offer health data such as the presence of anemia since the RBC are responsible for transporting hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to tissues. The decrease in red blood cell manifests as tiredness and fatigue. Their normal levels in blood should be:
- Women: between 4 and 5.2 million / mm3
- Man: between 4.5 and 5.9 million / mm3
Hemoglobin
The hemoglobin (Hb) levels give us additional information about the possible alteration in the number of red blood cells. When the hemoglobin level is below the normal range it is detecting anemia which may be of different origin: primary anemia, pregnancy, Kidney disease, eating disorders... A low hemoglobin level is usually accompanied by a low level of hematocrit. Normal values of hemoglobin in blood are:
- In the woman, between 12 and 16 g / dl
- In men: between 13.5 and 17.5 g / dl
Hematocrit
Hematocrit (Hct) is the percentage of erythrocyte mass relative to the blood volume. This provides data by which hematimetric values are calculated and which can be detected in different types of anemia (Megaloblastic, ferropenic...). Normal hematocrit values are for:
- Women: between 36 and 46%.
- Men: between 41 and 53%.
Abnormal iron values
When the iron levels are higher than normal they can be indicative of: B12 deficiency, Iron poisoning, death of liver tissue, hemolytic anemias, Multiple blood transfusions,...
If you discover you are anemic, you can find out what to eat when you are anemic.
Conversely, when the iron levels are lower it may be a sign of bleeding, iron malabsorption, pregnancy or a diet low in iron.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What are normal levels of Iron in Blood, we recommend you visit our Drugs & supplements category.
