OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between serum ferritin (s-ferritin), transferrin saturation and dietary patterns, in connection with ethnicity, geographical settlement and lifestyle factors. DESIGN: In 2003â??2004, a cross-sectional study of health and living conditions was carried out in northern Norway. SETTING: A questionnaire explored, among other factors, ethnicity and food consumption habits. Principal component analysis was used to assess the association between variables. Seven principal components were then used as input to a cluster analysis. To characterise food consumptions, five dietary patterns were identified and used to assess the effect of food consumption habits on Fe stores. SUBJECTS: A total of 16 323 men and women between the ages of 36 and 79 years participated. RESULTS: Participants who frequently consumed reindeer meat had higher levels of s-ferritin (P