Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular physical activity
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular medical check-ups
Blutwerte · Marker
Eisen
Serum Iron · Serumeisen · Fe
Eisen & AnämieNüchtern erforderlichZeitabhängig
- Einheit:
- µmol/L
- Abbreviation
- Fe
Serum iron measures the concentration of iron bound to transferrin in the bloodstream.
Reference Ranges
Reference
10.7–28.6µmol/L
10.7
15
25
28.6
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · µmol/LReference ranges may vary slightly based on laboratory standards and patient demographics.
Overview
Übersicht
Serum iron, denoted as Fe, is a critical biomarker that measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood bound to transferrin. It plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. Researchers have found that serum iron levels are crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and hereditary hemochromatosis. Clinically, low serum iron is indicative of IDA, which is the most prevalent nutritional anemia globally. Conversely, elevated serum iron levels can suggest conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis, where iron accumulates excessively in the body, potentially leading to organ damage. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, maintaining optimal serum iron levels is essential for ensuring adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and overall energy metabolism. However, researchers observed that both deficiency and excess of iron can impair physical performance and recovery. Caveats include the fact that serum iron levels can fluctuate throughout the day and may be influenced by recent dietary intake, infections, or inflammation. Therefore, fasting samples are often recommended for accurate assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Reduced serum iron levels typically indicate iron deficiency anemia, while elevated levels may suggest conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis. Both extremes can have significant health implications, including fatigue, organ damage, and metabolic disturbances.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising serum iron levels may suggest iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis. Re-test in 4 weeks if levels are outside the optimal range.
Falling Values
Falling serum iron levels may indicate worsening iron deficiency or increased blood loss.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Hereditary hemochromatosis
- Excessive iron supplementation
- Repeated blood transfusions
- Liver disease
- Hemolytic anemia
Cause
Low Levels
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Chronic blood loss
- Poor dietary intake
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Chronic diseases
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Consume iron-rich foods like red meat and leafy greens
- Include vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption
- Limit intake of calcium-rich foods with iron meals
Lever
Supplementation
- Iron supplements (under medical supervision)
- Vitamin C supplements to enhance iron absorption
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting iron supplementation, especially in cases of suspected hemochromatosis.
Testing Guidelines
🍽️Fasting Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
Serum iron levels can vary throughout the day; morning samples are preferred.
Testing Frequency
Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if managing a condition like IDA or hemochromatosis.
Interfering Factors
- Recent iron supplementation
- Acute infections
- Inflammatory conditions
Related Peptides & Hormones
Hepcidin
hormone or peptideMay affect
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for serum iron and ferritin levels in different populations, particularly in children and women of childbearing age, remain debated. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for iron levels in various clinical scenarios, such as during pregnancy or in chronic disease contexts. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the best approaches for differentiating between iron deficiency anemia and other forms of microcytic anemia, particularly in patients with normal ferritin levels.
22 Research Publications
734
Total Citations
8
Human/RCT
4.9
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Evaluation of anemia in children.
ReviewInfluence8.0
179
This study evaluated anemia in children, noting that it is often asymptomatic and detected through screening. Researchers found that mild microcytic anemia may be treated with oral iron, while severe cases require further investigation for potential blood loss. The classification of anemia into microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic is crucial for appropriate management.
02Top
#02
Iron overload syndromes and the liver.
ReviewInfluence7.0
159
This article reviewed the conditions leading to iron accumulation in the liver. Researchers discussed the diagnostic tools available to pathologists for assessing iron overload, including histologic examination and laboratory iron tests. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of iron accumulation for accurate diagnosis.
03Top
#03
Serotonin syndrome vs neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a contrast of causes, diagnoses, and management.
ReviewInfluence11.0
107
This study contrasted serotonin syndrome (SS) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), focusing on their clinical presentations and laboratory profiles. Researchers observed that NMS is distinguished by low serum iron levels alongside elevated creatine kinase and liver function tests.
04
#04
Meta-Analysis of Copper and Iron in Parkinson's Disease Brain and Biofluids.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence2.0
79
This meta-analysis assessed copper and iron levels in Parkinson's disease. Researchers confirmed that iron levels were elevated in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's patients, while copper levels were decreased. Additionally, serum iron was found to be lower in Parkinson's disease compared to controls, highlighting the complex role of these metals in the disease.
05
#05
Diagnosing iron deficiency: Controversies and novel metrics.
Rusch Jody A, et al. · Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology · 2023
ReviewInfluence4.0
53
This review examined the controversies and novel metrics in diagnosing iron deficiency. Researchers observed that traditional markers like serum iron and ferritin may be complemented by novel biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed that established markers like serum iron and ferritin are commonly used but have limitations.
- 02The review identified novel biomarkers, such as soluble transferrin receptor and hepcidin, which may enhance diagnosis.
- 03Researchers noted the importance of distinguishing between different types of anemia to improve clinical outcomes.
06
#06
Evaluation of microcytosis.
Van Vranken Michele · American family physician · 2010
Review
48
This study evaluated microcytosis, often found incidentally in patients. Researchers found that low serum ferritin levels indicate iron deficiency, which should be investigated further to determine the underlying cause.
Key findings
- 01The primary causes of microcytosis include iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia trait.
- 02Low serum ferritin levels indicate iron deficiency, which is often linked to blood loss.
- 03Further tests may be needed if ferritin levels are normal, including assessments of iron levels and hemoglobin types.
07
#07
Changes in micronutrient and inflammation serum biomarker concentrations after a norovirus human challenge.
Human
38
This study modeled the inflammatory response to norovirus infection and its impact on micronutrient biomarkers. Researchers observed that inflammation affected serum concentrations of ferritin and hepcidin, while serum iron and transferrin saturation decreased during the inflammatory response. The findings highlight the need to consider inflammation when assessing nutritional status.
08
#08
Revisiting Iron Metabolism, Iron Homeostasis and Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Review
29
This review examined iron deficiency anemia (IDA), highlighting its prevalence, causes, and laboratory diagnosis. Researchers found that IDA is the most common nutritional anemia affecting about 2 billion people globally, characterized by low serum iron, decreased transferrin saturation, and low ferritin levels.
09
#09
Foxo1 is an iron-responsive transcriptional factor regulating systemic iron homeostasis.
AnimalInfluence1.0
12
This study identified Foxo1 as a key regulator of hepcidin and systemic iron homeostasis. Researchers observed that Foxo1 influences hepcidin expression in response to iron levels, impacting iron metabolism in mice.
10
#10
Microcytic anemia.
ReviewInfluence1.0
10
This article discussed microcytic anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia as the most common type. Researchers found that low serum ferritin is the best single laboratory parameter for diagnosing iron deficiency.
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