Transferrin

Optimal Result: 200 - 390 mg/dL, or 2.00 - 3.90 g/L.

Transferrin is the main protein in the blood that binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. Transferrin is a protein produced by the liver.

A transferrin test directly measures the level in the blood.

Function:

Iron is supplied by the diet. About 10% of the ingested iron is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the plasma. There the iron is bound to transferrin and carried to the bone marrow for incorporation into hemoglobin. Transferrin regulates the absorption of iron into the blood.

Transferrin exists in relationship to the need for iron:

When iron stores are low, transferrin levels increase, whereas transferrin is low when there is too much iron.

Transferrin may also be measured using a value called total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). TIBC is a measurement of all proteins available for binding mobile iron.

Transferrin represents the largest quantity of iron-binding proteins. Therefore TIBC is an indirect yet accurate measurement of transferrin.

Why would you need to check your transferrin levels?

You may need this test if your doctor suspects that you have a certain type of anemia. In general, anemia means you have a low number of red blood cells. One type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia. If you have this type, you don’t have enough iron to properly make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance that helps your red blood cells carry oxygen.

What does it mean if your Transferrin result is too high?

Higher transferrin levels can mean that you may have iron-deficiency anemia. 

What does it mean if your Transferrin result is too low?

Low transferrin levels in the blood can indicate several health conditions and are typically associated with iron overload, liver disease, kidney problems, and malnutrition.

Causes of Low Transferrin Levels:

  1. Iron Overload: Low transferrin levels can suggest that the binding sites of transferrin are highly saturated with iron, indicating iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis.
  2. Liver Disease: Since transferrin is produced by the liver, liver damage can lead to reduced production of transferrin.
  3. Kidney Disease: Kidney problems can cause the loss of transferrin through urine, leading to low levels.
  4. Malnutrition: Severe protein-energy malnutrition can markedly lower transferrin levels.
  5. Chronic Diseases and Inflammation: Conditions like chronic infections, inflammation, and certain anemias (e.g., thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia) can also lead to low transferrin levels.

Implications of Low Transferrin Levels:

Low transferrin levels can impair the body's ability to transport iron, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and red blood cell function. This can lead to anemia and related symptoms due to insufficient iron availability for erythropoiesis.

What to Do About Low Transferrin Levels:

→ Medical Evaluation: It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. The doctor may order additional tests, such as serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), to determine the underlying cause of low transferrin levels.

→ Address Underlying Conditions: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For instance, managing liver or kidney diseases, addressing nutritional deficiencies, or treating chronic infections can help normalize transferrin levels.

→ Diet and Supplements: In cases of malnutrition, dietary changes or supplements may be recommended to improve protein intake and overall nutrition.

It is crucial for a healthcare provider to interpret transferrin test results alongside other tests and clinical assessments to determine the appropriate course of action.

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