Low transferrin saturation usually indicates iron deficiency. A high transferrin saturation may occur if you have haemochromatosis (too much stored iron). Other causes of abnormal results include anaemia caused by infections and chronic diseases, malnutrition, cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease that causes loss of protein in urine).
Iron is the amount of serum iron bound to transferrin and represents ~⅓ of the total iron binding capacity of transferrin. By itself, is a relatively poor marker of iron status. May be elevated due to hemochromatosis and other genetic conditions, haemolytic anaemia, liver damage, Vit B6 deficiency. May be decreased due to poor iron intake, poor absorption, chronic blood loss, chronic disease or infection, progesterone birth control pills.
TIBC may be elevated due to iron deficiency, pregnancy, elevated oestrogen. May be decreased due to anaemia of chronic disease, chronic infection, liver dysfunction.
