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

within Iron