What does low transferrin saturation mean?

A transferrin saturation test tells us how much iron in the blood is bound to transferrin. A low transferrin saturation usually indicates iron deficiency while a high saturation often confirms haemochromatosis.

What is a dangerously low iron saturation level?

The range of normal in most laboratories is 30 to 300 ng/mL (67.4 to 674.1 pmol/L), and the mean is 88 ng/mL (197.7 pmol/L) in men and 49 ng/mL (110.1 pmol/L) in women. Low levels (< 12 ng/mL (27 pmol/L)) are specific for iron deficiency.

What does low iron saturation mean?

The ratio of serum iron to TIBC is called transferrin saturation. Low iron. values in conjunction with elevated TIBC values (or specifically measured transferrin. concentrations), yielding less than 16 percent transferrin saturation, generally. indicate iron-deficiency anemia (World Health Organization 2001).

What level of ferritin is considered anemic?

Patients with true iron deficiency anemia on the basis of negative bone marrow iron staining may have a serum ferritin concentration close to 50 μg/L 7. Patients with the restless leg syndrome should be considered iron deficient when their ferritin concentration is <75 μg/L 8.

What can you do for low iron saturation?

You can usually correct iron deficiency anemia with iron supplementation. Sometimes additional tests or treatments for iron deficiency anemia are necessary, especially if your doctor suspects that you’re bleeding internally.

How do you fix low iron saturation?

Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia You can treat iron deficiency anemia by taking iron supplements. Most people take 150 to 200 milligrams each day, but your doctor will recommend a dose based on your iron levels. Taking vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron.

What are the symptoms of low iron saturation?

What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?

• Abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin.
• Irritability.
• Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Sore or swollen tongue.
• Enlarged spleen.
• A desire to eat peculiar substances such as dirt or ice (a condition called pica)

How do you increase low iron saturation?

Choose iron-rich foods

1. Red meat, pork and poultry.
2. Seafood.
3. Beans.
4. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
5. Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
6. Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
7. Peas.

What happens if your ferritin is too low?

Low levels of ferritin lead to iron-deficiency anemia. This means you have too few red blood cells. Iron deficiency can come from a poor diet or blood loss. Or your body may have trouble absorbing iron from food.

What is a low ferritin level for a woman?

The range of normal ferritin in most laboratories is 30 ng/mL to 300 ng/mL, and the mean is 49 ng/mL in women. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey describes iron deficiency in women as a low concentration of ferritin (<12 ng/mL).