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What Is Iron Saturation?

Lakshmi Sandhana
Lakshmi Sandhana

The amount of iron present in the bloodstream is an important indication of the health of the body. There are certain tests a person can take to determine if they have high or low levels of iron in his or her system. One such test measures the iron saturation in the body, which is an indicator used to gauge the amount of total body iron. It also gives an idea of how well the body transports and binds with this very essential nutrient. Abnormalities in the iron saturation level may be indicative of conditions like anemia, liver cirrhosis, and diabetes.

If a person's iron levels are too high or too low, there will be a number of signs and symptoms. Anyone experiencing a sore tongue, dizziness, and chronic fatigue may have low iron levels. Those with conditions like lessened libido, joint pain, and abdominal pain may have too much iron in the blood. Sometimes, patients may suffer from iron poisoning bought about by overdosing on iron tablets. In every case, an iron saturation test is needed to determine the state of health.

Iron saturation is the amount of iron in a person's bloodstream.
Iron saturation is the amount of iron in a person's bloodstream.

The blood protein that binds and transports iron to various parts of the body, such as the liver and bone marrow, is called transferrin. The amount of iron in the blood is calculated by measuring the transferrin-iron saturation percentage or TS%. Typically, the TS% averages between 20 and 40%. A value that's higher is indicative of excess iron in the blood, and lower values indicate an iron deficiency. This percentage is obtained by factoring in the person's serum iron level, the total iron binding capacity, and the unsaturated iron binding capacity.

Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

Most medical laboratories will furnish all three results when a person takes this test. The percentage reported can be understood in its simplest fashion as the amount of free iron that is being transported by the transferrin. For example, a TS% of 14 means that 14% of the amount of free iron in the blood is being transported by the transferrin. If a person's iron levels are low, the levels of transferrin in the blood increase and vice versa.

A severe iron deficiency may cause muscle spasms.
A severe iron deficiency may cause muscle spasms.

Taking an iron saturation test is a relatively easy procedure. The doctor or nurse takes a sample of blood from a person's vein, usually from the arm. The patient is asked to abstain from eating foods before the test to get an accurate reading. Some foods like red meat, vitamin C-rich fruit juices, and alcohol have temporary effects on blood iron levels that can skew the results.

Individuals with low iron levels may be advised against donating blood.
Individuals with low iron levels may be advised against donating blood.

Bad eating habits are one of the major causes of low iron saturation. Some other causes could be continuous drug use, pregnancy, and heavy menstrual flows. Intestinal disorders may also affect iron absorption, leading to low iron levels. A diet that concentrates on iron-rich foods will go a long way toward regaining full health. It's best to consult a physician before supplementing one's diet with iron supplements.

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    • Iron saturation is the amount of iron in a person's bloodstream.
      By: Andrei
      Iron saturation is the amount of iron in a person's bloodstream.
    • Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
      By: Vlad Ivantcov
      Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
    • A severe iron deficiency may cause muscle spasms.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A severe iron deficiency may cause muscle spasms.
    • Individuals with low iron levels may be advised against donating blood.
      By: Gina Sanders
      Individuals with low iron levels may be advised against donating blood.
    • Drinking alcohol can skew results of blood tests for iron.
      By: olly
      Drinking alcohol can skew results of blood tests for iron.
    • Taking an iron saturation test requires blood to be drawn from a vein.
      By: Goran Bogicevic
      Taking an iron saturation test requires blood to be drawn from a vein.
    • Smoking cigarettes can interfere with an individual's ability to absorb iron, leading to iron-deficiency anemia.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Smoking cigarettes can interfere with an individual's ability to absorb iron, leading to iron-deficiency anemia.
    • Abnormalities in the iron saturation level may be indicative of anemia.
      By: joshya
      Abnormalities in the iron saturation level may be indicative of anemia.
    • Multiple blood transfusions may lead to too much iron in the blood.
      By: Max Tactic
      Multiple blood transfusions may lead to too much iron in the blood.
    • Irritability and lethargy may be symptoms of iron poisoning.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Irritability and lethargy may be symptoms of iron poisoning.
    • Pregnancy may cause low iron saturation.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Pregnancy may cause low iron saturation.
    • Too much iron in the blood may cause a decreased libido.
      By: andreusK
      Too much iron in the blood may cause a decreased libido.