Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Adequate hydration
Blutwerte · Marker
Transferrin
Serum Transferrin · Siderophilin
Eisen & Anämie
- Einheit:
- g/L
Transferrin measures the level of the iron-binding glycoprotein responsible for iron transport in the blood.
Reference Ranges
Reference
2–3.6g/L
2
3.6
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · g/LReference ranges may vary slightly based on laboratory standards and patient demographics.
Overview
Übersicht
Transferrin is a glycoprotein primarily responsible for the transport of iron throughout the bloodstream, binding to iron ions and facilitating their delivery to various tissues. It plays a crucial role in maintaining iron homeostasis and is synthesized mainly in the liver. Clinically, transferrin levels are significant in diagnosing and managing iron-related disorders. Elevated transferrin levels may indicate iron deficiency anemia, as the body increases transferrin production to maximize iron transport. Conversely, low transferrin levels can be associated with conditions such as chronic inflammation, liver disease, or protein malnutrition. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, transferrin is relevant due to its role in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Athletes may monitor transferrin to optimize iron levels for enhanced endurance and recovery. However, transferrin levels can be influenced by various factors, including nutritional status, inflammation, and liver function. It is important to consider these confounders when interpreting transferrin measurements, as well as the potential need for fasting or time-of-day considerations to ensure accurate results.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated transferrin levels typically indicate iron deficiency anemia, while reduced levels may suggest chronic disease, liver dysfunction, or protein malnutrition.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising transferrin levels may suggest worsening iron deficiency. Re-test in 4 weeks if outside optimal range.
Falling Values
Falling transferrin levels could indicate resolving iron deficiency or onset of chronic disease.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Pregnancy
- Oral contraceptive use
- Estrogen therapy
- Chronic blood loss
Cause
Low Levels
- Chronic inflammation
- Liver disease
- Protein malnutrition
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Hemochromatosis
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Iron-rich foods
- Vitamin C-rich foods
- Balanced protein intake
Lever
Supplementation
- Iron supplements
- Vitamin C supplements
Note:
Consult a physician before starting iron supplementation, especially if underlying conditions are suspected.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Transferrin levels can vary with diurnal rhythms; morning samples are preferred.
Testing Frequency
Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if managing iron-related conditions.
Interfering Factors
- Recent blood transfusion
- Acute illness
- Liver disease
Related Peptides & Hormones
Hepcidin
hormone or peptideMay affect
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) are not standardized, leading to variability in clinical interpretations. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for transferrin receptor measurements in distinguishing iron-deficiency anemia from other types of anemia. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions remain regarding the diagnostic accuracy of transferrin in congenital disorders of glycosylation and the implications of serum transferrin levels in various inflammatory conditions.
23 Research Publications
1,388
Total Citations
3
Human/RCT
4.6
Avg. Influence
2024
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Transferrin Receptor Is a Specific Ferroptosis Marker.
AnimalInfluence19.0
756
Researchers found that the transferrin receptor 1 protein (TfR1) can be used as a specific marker to identify cells undergoing ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death. They developed a monoclonal antibody that selectively stains these cells, enhancing the ability to study ferroptosis in various contexts.
02Top
#02
Transferrin Saturation: A Body Iron Biomarker.
ReviewInfluence8.0
122
Researchers found that transferrin saturation (TSAT) is an important biomarker for assessing body iron status, linking it to health outcomes such as cardiovascular mortality. They cautioned about the limitations of TSAT measurements, particularly in inflammatory conditions.
03Top
#03
The challenge of CDG diagnosis.
ReviewInfluence2.0
101
This study examined the challenges in diagnosing congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), noting that serum transferrin isoelectrofocusing is only positive in about 60% of cases. Researchers provided practical tools to aid in the diagnosis of CDG, emphasizing the need for awareness of these disorders in unexplained syndromes.
04
#04
The measurement of serum transferrin receptor.
ReviewInfluence2.0
83
Researchers observed that serum transferrin receptor levels are a useful indicator of iron deficiency and erythropoiesis. They highlighted its clinical utility in distinguishing between different types of anemia, particularly in identifying iron deficiency anemia. The study supports the routine use of this marker in evaluating anemic patients.
05
#05
Oral D-galactose supplementation in PGM1-CDG.
Case ReportInfluence3.0
69
In a pilot study, researchers evaluated the effects of oral D-galactose supplementation in patients with PGM1-CDG. They observed significant improvements in transferrin-glycosylation and other laboratory parameters, suggesting potential benefits of this treatment.
06
#06
Diagnosing iron deficiency: Controversies and novel metrics.
ReviewInfluence4.0
56
Researchers reviewed various established and novel biomarkers for diagnosing iron deficiency, including transferrin and transferrin saturation. They discussed the limitations of current diagnostic tools and the need for improved methods to differentiate between types of anemia.
07
#07
Transferrin receptor in tissue and serum: updated clinical significance of soluble receptor.
ReviewInfluence1.0
53
Researchers found that measuring serum transferrin receptor levels can reflect body iron stores and erythropoiesis. They noted that the serum transferrin receptor to ferritin ratio is useful for differentiating iron deficiency anemia from other types of anemia.
08
#08
Standardisation and use of the alcohol biomarker carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT).
ReviewInfluence1.0
52
Researchers summarized the standardization efforts for carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) as a biomarker for alcohol consumption. They outlined the establishment of reference measurement procedures and the importance of uniformity in CDT measurement for clinical applications.
09
#09
Revisiting Iron Metabolism, Iron Homeostasis and Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Review
29
This review examined iron deficiency anemia (IDA), highlighting its prevalence and laboratory diagnosis. Researchers found that IDA is characterized by low serum iron, decreased transferrin saturation, and increased soluble transferrin receptors. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying underlying causes for effective management.
10
#10
Iron and iron-related proteins in alcohol consumers: cellular and clinical aspects.
Review
28
This review highlighted the dysregulation of iron and iron-related proteins in alcohol consumers, noting variations in transferrin levels and other iron parameters. Researchers emphasized the need for a coherent overview of these alterations to aid in the diagnosis and management of alcohol-associated liver disease.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Transferrin over time
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