RDW / Ferritin Ratio

Specialist

also

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.