Nutrients
Serum Iron
Unit: μg/dLID: N009
What This Test Measures
Circulating iron in blood
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
60-170 μg/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
85-130 μg/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Gabriel's optimal band for serum iron is 85-130. Low = anemia. High = overload. Serum iron alone is insufficient: check ferritin, TIBC, and saturation for the full picture. Iron is highly variable (time of day, meals).
When This Test Is High
Hemochromatosis, iron overload
When This Test Is Low
Iron deficiency anemia
Related Conditions
Iron overload, anemia
Recommended Follow-Up
Check with ferritin, TIBC, saturation; if low, find the cause with a clinician before taking iron