For men, what ferritin level indicates a need for iron supplementation?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, and its levels can provide insight into a person's iron status. For men, a ferritin level below 30 ng/mL is generally considered to indicate potential iron deficiency and may warrant supplementation. Levels as low as 12 ng/mL suggest that the body is very low on iron stores, which is a significant cause for concern and likely indicates an immediate need for iron supplementation.

Although a ferritin level of 4 ng/mL indicates a very severe deficiency, the initial threshold for considering supplementation typically would start at around 30 ng/mL. In practice, healthcare providers may consider supplementation even at higher levels if symptoms of deficiency are present or if a patient has a higher risk for iron deficiency due to factors like intense physical activity, diet, or health conditions.

In summary, for men, a ferritin level of 12 ng/mL is indicative of low iron stores and suggests a need for supplementation, as the body's iron reserves are insufficient for healthy physiological function.