Ferritin Reference Curves and Optimal Curves in Preadolescent Children

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Ferritin levels are crucial for assessing iron stores in children, with low levels indicating deficiency and high levels signaling overload or inflammation.
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Iron deficiency is prevalent in early childhood and can lead to anemia, neurodevelopmental impairment, fatigue, and decreased concentration.
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Current reference intervals for ferritin in children show significant heterogeneity, complicating the establishment of reliable clinical thresholds.
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Emerging evidence suggests that using the lower limit of ferritin reference intervals may underdiagnose iron deficiency in children.
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The study aims to develop sex-specific ferritin reference curves and optimal intervals for preadolescent children to improve clinical assessments.

Jama Network Open

by Vid Bijelić, Franco Momoli, Mira Liebman, Beth K. Potter, Cornelia M. Borkhoff, Catherine S. Birken, Jonathon L. Maguire, Patricia C. Parkin, Jemila S. Hamid
May 15, 2026

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