Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular monitoring of iron levels
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular physical activity
Blutwerte · Marker
Transferrinsättigung
Transferrin Saturation · TSAT · Iron Saturation
Eisen & Anämie
- Einheit:
- %
- Abbreviation
- TSAT
Transferrin saturation quantifies the percentage of transferrin that is bound with iron.
Reference Ranges
Reference
20–50%
20
30
40
50
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · %Reference ranges may vary slightly based on laboratory standards and patient demographics.
Overview
Übersicht
Transferrin saturation (TSAT) is a key biomarker that reflects the proportion of transferrin, a plasma protein, that is saturated with iron. It provides insight into the body's iron status by measuring how much iron is bound to transferrin, the main transport protein for iron in the blood. Clinically, TSAT is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions related to iron metabolism, such as iron deficiency anemia and iron overload disorders like hereditary hemochromatosis. Elevated TSAT levels are often associated with iron overload, which can lead to tissue damage and conditions such as cirrhosis, while low levels may indicate iron deficiency, impacting oxygen transport and energy metabolism. For athletes and biohackers, maintaining optimal TSAT levels is important for performance and recovery, as iron is vital for oxygen transport and energy production. However, researchers have found that TSAT measurements can be confounded by factors such as inflammation, which can alter iron metabolism and lead to misinterpretation. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors and possibly integrate additional markers like ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor levels for a comprehensive assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated TSAT values may indicate iron overload conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, while reduced values suggest iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia and decreased oxygen transport capacity.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising TSAT values suggest potential iron overload, warranting further investigation and possibly retesting in 4 weeks.
Falling Values
Progressively falling TSAT values may indicate developing iron deficiency, necessitating dietary or supplemental adjustments.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Hereditary hemochromatosis
- Chronic liver disease
- Excessive iron supplementation
- Repeated blood transfusions
- Ineffective erythropoiesis
Cause
Low Levels
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Chronic blood loss
- Malnutrition
- Chronic kidney disease
- Inflammatory disorders
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Consume iron-rich foods like red meat and leafy greens
- Include vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption
- Limit intake of calcium-rich foods during iron-rich meals
Lever
Supplementation
- Iron supplements if deficient
- Vitamin C to enhance absorption
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting iron supplementation, especially if iron overload is suspected.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Iron levels can fluctuate throughout the day; morning samples are preferred.
Testing Frequency
Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if iron metabolism disorders are suspected.
Interfering Factors
- Inflammation
- Recent blood transfusion
- Acute illness
Related Peptides & Hormones
Hepcidin
hormone or peptideCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for transferrin saturation (TSAT) may vary significantly in the presence of inflammation, complicating the interpretation of results. Researchers have not yet established optimal TSAT targets for different clinical conditions, particularly in chronic diseases. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions remain regarding the prognostic implications of TSAT levels in various populations and the potential for TSAT to serve as a reliable biomarker for cardiovascular mortality risk stratification.
23 Research Publications
563
Total Citations
7
Human/RCT
4.7
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Cirrhosis: Diagnosis and Management.
ReviewInfluence11.0
198
This study examined the diagnosis and management of cirrhosis, highlighting that only one in three individuals with cirrhosis are aware of their condition. Researchers found that transferrin saturation is part of the initial workup for cirrhosis, alongside other tests. They emphasized the importance of early detection and monitoring to prevent severe complications.
02Top
#02
Transferrin Saturation: A Body Iron Biomarker.
Elsayed M E, et al. · Advances in clinical chemistry · 2016
ReviewInfluence8.0
117
This study focused on transferrin saturation as a key biomarker for assessing body iron status. Researchers found that while it is widely used, its interpretation can be complicated by factors like inflammation. The study also noted a potential link between transferrin saturation levels and cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting further research is needed.
Key findings
- 01TSAT is a key indicator of body iron status, reflecting both plasma iron and its transport protein.
- 02The test's accuracy can be affected by conditions like inflammation, leading to potential misinterpretations.
- 03There is growing evidence that TSAT levels may be associated with cardiovascular health risks.
03Top
#03
Diagnosing iron deficiency: Controversies and novel metrics.
ReviewInfluence4.0
50
This review examined the challenges in diagnosing iron deficiency, emphasizing the role of transferrin saturation among other biomarkers. Researchers found that established and novel metrics can help differentiate various types of anemia. The study aimed to clarify diagnostic criteria to improve patient care.
04
#04
Diagnosis of hyperferritinemia in routine clinical practice.
ReviewInfluence3.0
39
This study examined the diagnostic process for hyperferritinemia, highlighting the role of transferrin saturation in identifying potential causes. Researchers found that elevated transferrin saturation could indicate hereditary hemochromatosis. The study proposed a structured approach to diagnosing the underlying causes of hyperferritinemia.
05
#05
Changes in micronutrient and inflammation serum biomarker concentrations after a norovirus human challenge.
Human
38
This study investigated the impact of norovirus infection on micronutrient and inflammation biomarkers. Researchers observed that transferrin saturation levels decreased during inflammation caused by the infection. The findings suggest the need to adjust nutritional assessments based on inflammatory status.
06
#06
Iron and iron-related proteins in alcohol consumers: cellular and clinical aspects.
Review
24
Researchers observed that alcohol consumption can alter iron and related protein levels, complicating the diagnosis of alcohol-associated liver disease. The study highlighted variations in transferrin saturation and other iron parameters among alcohol consumers. It emphasized the need for careful evaluation of these biomarkers in clinical settings.
07
#07
Iron deficiency in pulmonary vascular disease: pathophysiological and clinical implications.
Human
20
In patients with pulmonary vascular disease, researchers observed that defining iron deficiency using transferrin saturation levels provided better insights into exercise capacity and clinical outcomes. A TSAT threshold of <21% was linked to worse functional status and increased mortality risk.
08
#08
Markers of Iron Metabolism and Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review.
Systematic Review
19
This systematic review found that iron deficiency in heart failure patients is linked to poorer health outcomes. Researchers noted that transferrin saturation is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality and hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for careful assessment of iron status in these patients.
09
#09
Hereditary Hyperferritinemia.
Review
18
Researchers found that hereditary hyperferritinemia can present with normal transferrin saturation levels, complicating the diagnosis of iron overload conditions. This study focused on distinguishing inherited forms of hyperferritinemia from acquired forms. The review emphasized the need for a thorough diagnostic strategy including family history and biochemical tests.
10
#10
Serum iron and transferrin saturation variation are circadian regulated and linked to the harmonic circadian oscillations of erythropoiesis and hepatic Tfrc expression in mice.
Animal
12
This study demonstrated that transferrin saturation exhibits circadian rhythms in mice, suggesting that timing may influence its reliability as a biomarker. Researchers found that disruptions in circadian regulation affected serum iron and transferrin saturation levels.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Transferrinsättigung over time
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