Iron – what do your numbers mean?
Have you had your Iron level measured and are unsure what the numbers mean? Here's a clear explanation of the normal range, what a too high or too low level can indicate, and when it makes sense to get tested.
What is the normal range for Iron?
What is the normal range for Iron?
The normal range for iron in the blood varies depending on age, gender, and physiological conditions. For adults over 18, it typically lies between 9-34 µmol/L. In children and adolescents, values range from 18-45 µmol/L at birth to 5-20 µmol/L for children aged 1-12 years. Pregnant women may experience a drop in iron levels, where the normal range can be as low as 4-28 µmol/L depending on the stage of pregnancy. It is important to note that reference intervals may vary slightly between laboratories. Being close to the limit values can indicate incipient iron deficiency or excess, requiring further investigations to assess the body's overall iron status.
What does a low level mean?
A low level of iron in the blood can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, paleness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The most common causes include iron deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake, bleeding (e.g., menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding), or reduced iron absorption in the gut, as in celiac disease. Particularly vulnerable groups are women of childbearing age, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic diseases. If you suspect low iron levels, you should contact a doctor to have blood tests such as ferritin and transferrin taken to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment, which often involves iron supplements and dietary adjustments.
What does a high level mean?
A high level of iron can lead to symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, organ damage. The most common causes include hereditary conditions such as hemochromatosis, repeated blood transfusions, or excessive intake of iron supplements. High iron levels can also be seen in certain liver diseases and inflammatory conditions. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect elevated iron, as this may require specific tests such as transferrin saturation and genetic investigations. Treatment may include venesection (bloodletting) or medical intervention to reduce iron levels and prevent complications.
Get your Iron level tested
At Celto, you can order a blood test for Iron directly online – without a referral from your doctor and without long waiting times. We have over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals throughout Denmark, and your samples are analyzed at the same accredited laboratories used by the rest of the healthcare system. You receive your results directly on sundhed.dk, just like all other blood tests from the public system.
How it works
When you order a blood test from Celto, you choose which markers you want to have tested – no doctor's referral needed. After your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to our booking system, where you choose time and place. The blood sample itself is taken by authorized healthcare personnel and typically takes only a few minutes.
Where you can get tested
Celto has over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals and clinics across Denmark. You choose the location that suits you best among our partners, and there are typically available times within a few days. Find your nearest sample collection site →
How to get your results
Your blood samples are analyzed at the same laboratories used by your own doctor and the rest of the healthcare system, with exactly the same quality and the same tests. You receive your results directly on sundhed.dk within a few weekdays, and Celto also sends an easy-to-understand overview of your values so you know what the numbers mean.