About Iron % Saturation
Iron % Saturation, also known as transferrin saturation, is a measure of the degree to which transferrin, a blood protein that transports iron, is saturated with iron. It reflects the balance between transferrin and the amount of iron bound to it, providing an indication of iron availability in the body.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
20.0 - 50.0 %
Women's Optimal Range
20.0 - 45.0 %
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate iron overload disorders such as hemochromatosis, which can lead to liver damage, heart problems, and other organ dysfunction.
Low
Low levels may be associated with iron deficiency anemia, potentially causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and a weakened immune system.
Symptoms
High
May include joint pain, fatigue, skin discoloration, and heart issues.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, headaches, and shortness of breath.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Camaschella, C. (2019). Iron-Deficiency Anemia. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 381(11), 1031-1043. 2. Cappellini, M. D., Musallam, K. M., & Taher, A. T. (2020). Iron deficiency anaemia revisited. *Journal of Internal Medicine*, 287(2), 153-170. 3. World Health Organization. (2020). *Guidelines on the use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations*. 4. Ganz, T., & Nemeth, E. (2021). Iron homeostasis in host defence and inflammation. *Nature Reviews Immunology*, 21(12), 785-800. 5. McLean, E., Cogswell, M., Egli, I., Wojdyla, D., & de Benoist, B. (2009). Worldwide prevalence of anaemia, WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System, 1993–2005. *Public Health Nutrition*, 12(4), 444-454.