What does low iron saturation mean?

What does low iron saturation mean?

What does low iron saturation mean?

Transferrin saturation (TSAT) — Measures the percentage of iron-binding sites on transferrin that are occupied by iron. This number is calculated by dividing the serum iron by the TIBC. A lower TSAT indicates iron deficiency.

What is a normal iron saturation?

Normal serum iron test results The following are considered normal ranges for a serum iron test: iron: 60 to 170 mcg/dL. transferrin saturation: 25 percent to 35 percent. total iron binding capacity (TIBC): 240 to 450 mcg/dL.

What causes low iron saturation?

Slow, chronic blood loss within the body — such as from a peptic ulcer, a hiatal hernia, a colon polyp or colorectal cancer — can cause iron deficiency anemia. Gastrointestinal bleeding can result from regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin. A lack of iron in your diet.

What is iron saturation percentage?

Transferrin saturation percentage (TS %) is calculated by dividing serum iron by TIBC, then multiplying by 100. The resulting number is referred to as transferrin saturation percentage (TS %). In people with undiagnosed hemochromatosis, this number is often above 50%, and sometimes even as high as 100%.

How do you increase iron saturation?

To maximize your iron intake, try to include meat, fish, poultry, beans and lentils in your diet, as well as vitamin C-rich foods during your meals. Also, spread out your tea, coffee and dairy intakes between meals.

How do you test transferrin saturation?

A low transferrin saturation usually indicates iron deficiency while a high saturation often confirms haemochromatosis. You can test your iron levels by purchasing a simple at-home finger prick test kit which is then analysed at an accredited lab.

Does low iron saturation mean anemia?

Iron deficiency without anemia can occur when a person has a normal hemoglobin, but below normal serum ferritin and/or transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency with anemia can occur when a person has low values of both serum ferritin and hemoglobin.