Average iron level
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Average Iron Levels: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Iron Levels in the Human Body
Iron is a crucial element for various bodily functions, including oxygen transport and DNA synthesis. Understanding average iron levels in different populations helps in diagnosing and managing conditions related to iron deficiency or overload.
Average Iron Levels in Different Populations
General Population
In the general population, average serum iron levels vary by age and gender. For instance, studies have shown that the average serum iron level in healthy males is approximately 109 µg/dL, while in females, it is around 101 µg/dL4. These levels can fluctuate throughout the day, with peaks and troughs observed in diurnal variations4.
Men and Women
In a detailed study of body iron stores, US men aged 20 to 65 years had an average body iron store of 9.82 mg/kg1. In contrast, US women aged 20 to 45 years showed two distinct populations: 93% had an average body iron store of 5.5 mg/kg, while the remaining 7% had a mean tissue iron deficit of 3.87 mg/kg1. This indicates significant variability in iron levels among women, likely influenced by factors such as menstruation and dietary intake.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women, particularly in regions like Jamaica, have been observed to have lower average body iron stores, with a mean of 0.09 mg/kg1. This highlights the increased iron requirements during pregnancy and the potential for iron deficiency in this group.
Infants and Children
Iron levels in infants and children also show significant variation. For example, serum iron levels drop from neonatal values of 160 µg/dL to about 50 µg/dL within 24 hours of birth, then rise again to 125 µg/dL over the next two weeks, stabilizing at around 60 µg/dL by 6 months to 2 years of age2. These levels gradually increase to 120 µg/dL by the age of 15 years2.
Elderly Population
In elderly individuals, serum iron levels tend to be lower compared to younger adults. Studies have shown that individuals over 70 years of age have significantly lower serum iron levels than those under 30 years of age, with persistent sex differences in iron levels2.
Iron Levels in Specific Conditions
Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF)
Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) have significantly lower serum iron levels compared to healthy individuals. The average serum iron level in healthy subjects was found to be 94.13 µg/dL, whereas it was much lower in OSMF patients, averaging around 24 µg/dL3.
Colorectal Cancer
In patients with colorectal cancer, serum iron levels are notably lower than in those with benign polyps or healthy controls. The average serum iron level in colorectal cancer patients was 54.5 µg/dL, compared to 91.3 µg/dL in patients with polyps and 108.0 µg/dL in healthy controls8. This suggests that low serum iron levels may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Menorrhagia
Women with excessive menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) experience significantly higher iron losses per menstrual cycle compared to women with normal menses. On average, healthy women lose about 1 mg of iron per cycle, whereas those with menorrhagia lose approximately 5.2 mg per cycle10. This substantial loss can lead to depleted iron stores and iron-deficient anemia.
Conclusion
Average iron levels vary widely across different populations and conditions. Men generally have higher iron stores than women, and iron levels fluctuate significantly with age, gender, and health status. Understanding these variations is crucial for diagnosing and managing iron-related disorders effectively. Regular monitoring and appropriate interventions can help maintain optimal iron levels and prevent complications associated with iron deficiency or overload.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The quantitative assessment of body iron.
This study presents a reliable method for estimating body iron based on the ratio of serum transferrin receptor to serum ferritin, which enhances iron status evaluation and sensitivity in iron intervention trials.
Observational Study
Highly CitedThe Influence of Age upon Serum Iron in Normal Subjects
Ageing is associated with a progressive increase in serum iron concentration, with sex differences still evident and serum iron significantly lower than in healthy subjects under 30 years of age.
Observational StudyEstimation of Serum Iron in the Patients of Oral Submucous Fibrosis
Oral Submucous Fibrosis patients have lower serum iron levels compared to healthy individuals.
RCTStudies on Iron Absorption (Report 1)
Serum iron levels in healthy adults show a large variation during the 24 hours, with a peak at 2 p.m. and a gradual fall to 2 a.m.
[Studies of iron level, Fe binding capacity, copper and protein in the blood plasma as well as hemoglobin in the blood of sows during the day].
Sows' iron levels vary throughout the day, with gilts showing higher levels and adult sows showing lower levels, but individual differences in blood plasma protein and haemoglobin levels were observed.
Ferritin in the Serum of Normal Subjects and Patients with Iron Deficiency and Iron Overload
Ferritin levels in serum are a quantitative measure of storage iron in normal subjects and those with iron deficiency or overload.
Highly CitedTHE EFFECTS OF THERAPY ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL SCORES OF IRON DEFICIENT INFANTS
Iron therapy rapidly improves developmental scores in iron deficient infants, including increased mental development, alertness, and motor coordination, without significant increases in hemoglobin levels.
RCTHighly CitedIron concentrations in intestinal cancer tissue and in colon and rectum polyps
Higher iron concentrations in colorectal cancer tissue and lower iron levels in serum may increase colorectal cancer risk.
RCTA ferritin level >50 microg/L is frequently consistent with iron deficiency.
Patients with normocytic anaemia who have ferritin levels above 50 microg/L should not automatically be considered to have adequate iron stores; integrating the sTfR-F Index in their diagnostic workup can improve patient care.
Observational StudyIron-dependent erythropoiesis in women with excessive menstrual blood losses and women with normal menses
Women with excessive menstrual blood losses (menorrhagia) lose five-to-six times more iron than healthy women with normal menses, potentially increasing their risk of developing iron-deficient anemia.
Observational Study
Rigorous Journal