What are the symptoms of a transferrin saturation value that is too low?
A normal transferrin saturation value is usually between 20% and 50%. Abnormal transferrin saturation values may indicate iron deficiency and require further investigation.
Transferrin saturation is an important measure of the amount of iron bound to transferrin, a transport protein. It indicates how much of transferrin's iron-binding capacity is actually used. In this blog, we discuss what a normal transferrin saturation value is, what the symptoms of too low a transferrin saturation value are, and what steps you can take to address abnormalities.
What is a normal transferrin saturation value?
The normal value for transferrin saturation is usually between 20% and 50%. This means that 20% to 50% of the iron-binding capacity of transferrin is occupied by iron. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, the reference values applicable to you are always personally reported depending on your gender and age.
What does a transferrin saturation value that is too low mean?
An excessively low transferrin saturation value may indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. This can have several causes, including insufficient iron intake through diet, blood loss or an increased need for iron. Symptoms of an excessively low transferrin saturation value may include:
- Fatigue: Due to lack of adequate oxygen transport in the body.
- Pale skin: Due to reduced red blood cell count.
- Shortness of breath: Especially on exertion due to insufficient oxygen supply.
- Dizziness: Due to lack of oxygen to the brain.
- Headache: Due to lack of oxygen.
- Cold hands and feet: Due to decreased blood circulation.
What is transferrin?
Transferrin is a protein produced in the liver that is responsible for transporting iron in the blood. It binds iron and transports it to different parts of the body, including the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced.
How is transferrin saturation calculated?
Transferrin saturation is calculated by dividing serum iron content by total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. The formula is as follows:
\Ætext{Transferrin saturation (%) = } \left( \frac{text{Serum iron}} \right) \times 100
In which:
- Serum iron is the amount of iron in the blood.
- TIBC is the total capacity of transferrin to bind iron.
This calculation helps determine how much of the available transferrin is actually saturated with iron.
What can you do when transferrin saturation levels are too low?
If your transferrin saturation value falls outside the normal range, it is important to find out the underlying cause. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can have several additional tests performed to gain more insight into your iron balance and overall health, such as:
- Serum iron: To measure the amount of iron in your blood.
- Ferritin: To assess the iron stores in your body.
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): To measure the total capacity of transferrin to bind iron.
- Complete blood count: To check red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Treatment and lifestyle modifications
Depending on the cause of the low transferrin saturation value, different treatments and lifestyle modifications may be needed:
- Iron supplements: To increase iron levels in your blood.
- Dietary changes: Eating iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables.
- Treatment of underlying causes: such as blood loss from menstruation or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Regular monitoring: To closely monitor your iron status and transferrin saturation value.
Conclusion
It is important to keep your transferrin saturation level balanced for good health. Regular monitoring through a blood test can help detect and address abnormalities early.