Iron Saturation

Researched

Iron Saturation (Transferrin Saturation)

Nutrients • Last tested 2026-01-28

What It Measures

The percentage of transferrin binding sites occupied by iron, calculated as (serum iron / TIBC) × 100.

Iron saturation measures what percentage of transferrin (the iron transport protein) is bound to iron. It helps differentiate types of iron disorders.

Current Value

14%
Reference Range: 2050 %(standard)
Optimal Range: 2535 %(Function Health, LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics)
Low
+2.0 (+16.7%) from previous test
20 %Optimal: 253550 %

What High Means

High iron saturation (>45%) strongly suggests iron overload and is a key screening marker for hemochromatosis.

Possible Symptoms

Same as iron overload

What Low Means

Low iron saturation (<20%) indicates iron deficiency or chronic disease-related anemia.

Possible Symptoms

Same as iron deficiency

Risk Factors

Hemochromatosis screening (high), iron deficiency (low)

Actionable Advice

Supplements

  • Iron bisglycinate (if low)
  • Vitamin C (if low)

Diet & Lifestyle

  • Most reliable iron overload screening test
  • If >45%, test HFE gene for hemochromatosis
  • Blood donation to manage iron overload

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Historical Trend

Reference
Optimal
Last researched Feb 14, 2026

All Readings

DateValueChange
2026-01-2814 %+2.0
2025-08-2512 %