Eisen-Ferritin Selbsttest: which supplements make sense?

An iron-ferritin self-test measures ferritin levels in the blood, which reflects the body's iron stores. If ferritin is below the reference range (e.g., <30 ng/mL), iron supplementation may be beneficial—especially if symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, or pallor are present. However, ferritin is an acute-phase reactant: it can be elevated during inflammation, infection, or chronic disease, even when true iron deficiency exists. Therefore, a low ferritin should not be interpreted in isolation; complementary tests (e.g., transferrin saturation, CRP) are advisable. When iron deficiency is confirmed, sensible supplements include well-absorbed forms such as iron bisglycinate or ferrous sulfate, often combined with vitamin C to enhance absorption. Caution is needed in conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload), where indiscriminate supplementation can be harmful. The self-test provides a preliminary indication but does not replace medical evaluation. Evidence for iron supplementation in confirmed deficiency is strong (clinical practice), but for self-tests without physician guidance it is limited.