← Blood tests
RDW / Ferritin Ratio
Specialistalso —
What it isA calculated ratio of red cell variability to ferritin that can flag iron deficiency masked by inflammation.
DoesHelps disentangle hidden iron deficiency when ferritin is artificially elevated by inflammation.
GoodA balanced ratio suggests appropriate iron status without significant erythropoiesis stress.
BadA high ratio in someone with normal-appearing ferritin suggests masked iron deficiency or chronic inflammation.
- Standard
- No standard cutoff.
- Optimal
- No widely-accepted optimal
- Modifiers
- Inflammation drives the discordance.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Address inflammation drivers.
- Diet
- Iron-rich foods if true iron deficiency suspected.
- Supplements
- Iron (if confirmed deficient), omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day).
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Treat underlying inflammation source.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Iron
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 Blood Cells