Skip to content
Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.
Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.

NOTES FROM THE LAB

Hello! My name is Jamila Quaye and I am a senior biomedical scientist with a specialism in haematology, here at One Day Tests laboratory.

Iron - description and reference ranges

What is it?

Iron is a mineral in you body that is essential for a range of functions. Iron is a major component of haemoglobin, a main type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. Low iron levels mean not enough oxygen circulating in the blood stream, leading to all sorts of problems, including fatigue and general weakness.

Iron is essential for healthy muscle and brain development, balanced growth and for the sufficient production of hormones in your body.

According to the NHS, the amount of iron you need is:

  • 8.7mg a day for men over 18
  • 14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 50
  • 8.7mg a day for women over 50

You should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet.

Reference ranges

If your indicative iron level is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

You should discuss how to manage your iron levels and this result with your GP.

If your indicative iron level is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

Generally, high levels of iron are not beneficial. Too much iron can lead to feeling sick and vomiting, stomach issues and constipation and extremely high level of iron can lead to very serious problems and organ failures.

You should discuss this result with your GP.

Ultimate Iron Blood Test

 

ULTIMATE IRON BLOOD TEST

£59.00
£59.00 - £59.00
£59.00
£0.00 - £0.00
£0.00
View full details

Get a full picture of your iron status and check for signs of iron deficiency, iron overload, and measure if your iron levels are in the normal range. Includes CRP.

QUICK TEST FINDER

Find what you need in under 30 seconds with our (very clever!) test finder.

We offer a huge range of markers all a few clicks away, as well as fastest turnaround times.

FIND YOUR TEST
QUICK TEST FINDER

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ

  • testing diabetes device
    Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT ARE THE 20 WARNING SIGNS OF DIABETES?

    Diabetes often develops gradually, with early warning signs that can be subtle and easy to miss. Many symptoms overlap with everyday issues such as stress, dehydration, or tiredness, which is why diabetes frequently goes undiagnosed until blood sugar levels have been high for some time. Recognising these warning signs early can help prevent complications and support timely intervention.
    Read now
  • foods high in zinc
    Dr. Adam Staten

    THE 10 SIGNS OF LOW ZINC

    Zinc is a trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, hormone balance, and hundreds of enzyme reactions throughout the body. Because it's needed in so many processes, low zinc levels can produce a wide and sometimes confusing range of symptoms. Below are 10 of the most common signs of low zinc.
    Read now
  • blood test
    Dr. Adam Staten

    INSULIN BLOOD TESTS AND INSULIN RESISTANCE: COMPLETE GUIDE

    If you have been feeling more tired than usual, struggling with cravings, or noticing changes in your weight that are hard to explain, you may have come across the idea of testing your insulin levels. A fasting insulin blood test is one of the ways to look at how your body is managing sugar and energy, often before other signs become obvious. This article explains what a fasting insulin test actually measures, what your results can tell you, and what steps to consider next. If you would like to check your own levels, you can book a fasting insulin blood test through One Day Tests, with no GP referral needed and results usually available within 24 to 48 hours.
    Read now
See more