Iron, Serum (Total Iron)

Routine annual

also —

What it isThe total amount of iron circulating in blood bound to transferrin. Iron is essential for hemoglobin, myoglobin, and many enzymes.

DoesTransports iron from gut absorption and red cell turnover to bone marrow and other tissues.

GoodMid-range iron with appropriate ferritin signals balanced iron handling.

BadLow serum iron with low ferritin confirms iron deficiency. High iron with high transferrin saturation suggests hemochromatosis.

Standard: Men 65–175 µg/dL; women 50–170 µg/dL.
Optimal: 90–140 µg/dL men, 80–130 µg/dL women (narrow target)
Modifiers: Diurnal — peaks early morning; falls with inflammation; rises shortly after iron supplements.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Same as ferritin.
Diet: Same as ferritin.
Supplements: Same as ferritin.
Peptides: —
Drugs: IV iron for severe deficiency.

Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.

within Iron