Nutrients

Transferrin saturation

Percent of transferrin carrying iron.

Transferrin saturation is a calculated value representing the percentage of transferrin, a protein produced by the liver, that is bound to iron. Transferrin's primary role is to transport iron from the intestines to cells throughout the body where it is utilized for essential functions, such as oxygen transport via hemoglobin. This biomarker provides insight into the availability of iron for physiological processes and the body's iron storage status. It reflects a dynamic balance between iron absorption, utilization, and storage, and when evaluated alongside other iron markers, offers a comprehensive picture of iron homeostasis.