Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Adequate hydration
Blutwerte · Marker
Transferrin
Serum Transferrin · Siderophilin
Eisen & Anämie
- Einheit:
- g/L
Transferrin quantifies the concentration of the iron-binding protein responsible for transporting iron in the blood.
Reference Ranges
Reference
2–3.6g/L
2
3.6
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · g/LReference ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and population. No significant sex-specific differences.
Overview
Übersicht
Transferrin is a glycoprotein primarily responsible for iron transport in the bloodstream. It binds to iron ions absorbed from the diet and facilitates their delivery to cells via transferrin receptors. This process is crucial for maintaining iron homeostasis and supporting cellular functions that depend on iron. Clinically, transferrin levels are significant in diagnosing and managing iron-related disorders. Elevated transferrin levels often indicate iron deficiency anemia, as the body increases transferrin production to maximize iron transport when iron stores are low. Conversely, low transferrin levels can be associated with conditions like chronic inflammation or liver disease. For athletes and biohackers, monitoring transferrin can provide insights into iron metabolism, which is vital for oxygen transport and energy production. Optimal iron levels can enhance athletic performance and recovery. However, transferrin levels can be influenced by factors such as inflammation, liver function, and nutritional status, which should be considered when interpreting results. Fasting is not required for transferrin testing, but it is advisable to conduct the test at a consistent time of day to avoid diurnal variations.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated transferrin levels typically indicate iron deficiency anemia, as the body attempts to increase iron transport capacity. Reduced transferrin levels can suggest chronic inflammation, liver disease, or protein malnutrition.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising transferrin levels may suggest worsening iron deficiency. Re-test in 4 weeks if levels continue to rise.
Falling Values
Falling transferrin levels can indicate improving iron status or worsening liver function.
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 liver disease
- Malnutrition
- Acute inflammation
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Protein-losing enteropathy
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Consume iron-rich foods
- Increase vitamin C intake
- Avoid excessive tea/coffee with meals
Lever
Supplementation
- Iron supplements
- Vitamin C supplements
Note:
Consult a physician before starting iron supplementation, especially if there is a risk of iron overload.
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 deficiency or overload.
Interfering Factors
- Recent blood transfusion
- Acute illness
- Hormonal contraceptives
Related Peptides & Hormones
Hepcidin
hormone or peptideMay affect
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for serum transferrin receptor levels and their optimal targets in various populations, particularly in pediatric and elderly groups, remain understudied. Researchers have not yet established the impact of confounders such as inflammation or chronic disease on transferrin receptor measurements. Additionally, clinical questions regarding the best practices for integrating transferrin receptor testing into routine anemia diagnostics and management strategies continue to be unanswered.
19 Research Publications
1,139
Total Citations
2
Human/RCT
4.1
Avg. Influence
2024
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Transferrin Receptor Is a Specific Ferroptosis Marker.
AnimalInfluence18.0
726
Researchers found that the transferrin receptor (TfR1) can serve as a specific marker for ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death. The study identified an antibody that selectively detects ferroptotic cells by targeting TfR1, enhancing the understanding of ferroptosis in various contexts.
02Top
#02
The challenge of CDG diagnosis.
ReviewInfluence2.0
97
This mini-review discusses the challenges in diagnosing congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). Researchers noted that serum transferrin levels may not be reliable for all CDG types, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic tools.
03Top
#03
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.
04
#04
Transferrin receptor in tissue and serum: updated clinical significance of soluble receptor.
ReviewInfluence1.0
53
Researchers examined the clinical significance of transferrin receptors in iron metabolism. The study found that measuring serum transferrin receptor levels can reflect body iron stores and help differentiate between types of anemia.
05
#05
Diagnosing iron deficiency: Controversies and novel metrics.
ReviewInfluence4.0
53
This review analyzed various diagnostic markers for iron deficiency. Researchers found that established markers like transferrin and novel biomarkers can help distinguish between different types of anemia, emphasizing the need for precise diagnostic methods.
06
#06
Standardisation and use of the alcohol biomarker carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT).
ReviewInfluence1.0
48
This review focused on the standardization of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) as a biomarker for alcohol consumption. Researchers highlighted efforts to create uniform measurement procedures to improve the reliability of CDT results.
07
#07
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.
08
#08
Iron and iron-related proteins in alcohol consumers: cellular and clinical aspects.
Review
24
Researchers reviewed the impact of alcohol on iron metabolism in chronic liver disease. They observed alterations in iron-related proteins, including transferrin levels, which may aid in diagnosing alcohol-associated liver disease.
09
#09
Brief history of the alcohol biomarkers CDT, EtG, EtS, 5-HTOL, and PEth.
ReviewInfluence1.0
16
This article reviewed various biomarkers of alcohol consumption, including carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). Researchers found that CDT is a specific biomarker indicating excessive alcohol intake, with a deficiency in its glycosylation. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding alcohol biomarkers for clinical and forensic applications.
10
#10
Clinical Significance of Serum Iron Metabolism-Related Markers in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
Mei Jiaqi, et al. · ORL; journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties · 2023
Human
7
This study evaluated iron metabolism markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Researchers found that NPC patients exhibited lower serum iron and transferrin levels, indicating functional iron deficiency related to tumor burden.
Key findings
- 01Patients with NPC had significantly lower levels of serum iron and total iron-binding capacity compared to healthy controls.
- 02Higher levels of ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor were observed in patients with advanced cancer stages.
- 03The presence of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the blood was associated with changes in iron metabolism markers.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Transferrin over time
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