Low iron saturation occurs when the amount of iron in the blood decreases below the recommended range. Measuring transferrin is one way to determine iron saturation.
Iron saturation refers to the amount of iron present in the blood. Iron is vital for many molecular processes, including muscle metabolism, oxygen transport, and the maintenance of healthy connective tissue.
People usually obtain sufficient iron from the diet.
However, some individuals may experience low iron, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. In those with this condition, the blood lacks adequate red blood cells due to a shortage of iron.
This article will explore what constitutes low iron saturation and what symptoms this can produce. It will also explain what may cause low iron saturation, how a medical professional will diagnose it, and the treatments available.
A variety of tests measure the level of iron in the blood.
Doctors often test for low iron levels if hemoglobin is low and consistent with anemia.
The normal range of iron saturation can vary from person to person, and it can change over time depending on a person’s health.
A doctor may begin the diagnostic process by carrying out a physical examination and looking for signs of low iron saturation, such as bleeding and spooning of the nails or brittle nails. They may also listen to the heart for any irregular heartbeats and feel the abdomen to check the size of the liver and spleen.
The doctor may then order blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of low iron saturation.
These tests may
- A complete blood count: This blood test reveals the blood cell count, the hemoglobin level, the hematocrit level, and the mean corpuscular volume.
- Serum iron test: This test measures the amount of iron present in the blood. The iron level may indicate whether a person has a low iron saturation level.
- Peripheral smear: This test involves looking at the red blood cells under a microscope to see whether they appear smaller and paler than usual.
- Transferrin or TIBC test: This test will measure the amount of transferrin in the blood.
Learn more about tests to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia.
There are different stages of iron deficiency and iron depletion. These
- Mild deficiency or storage iron depletion: The level of iron and the serum ferritin concentration in the bone marrow decrease.
- Marginal deficiency or iron deficient erythropoiesis: There is a depletion in the body’s iron stores, and the supply of iron to erythropoietic cells decreases, causing a reduction in transferrin saturation. However, hemoglobin levels may remain within the normal range.
- Iron deficiency anemia: The exhaustion of iron stores causes hematocrit and hemoglobin levels to decrease. The red blood cells appear small and have low hemoglobin concentrations.
A person with a low iron saturation in the blood may experience various symptoms of iron deficiency. The most common
- pale skin
- brittle nails or spooning of the nails
- swollen or sore tongue
- chest pain
- poor concentration
- tiredness
- headaches
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- weakness
- heart palpitations
hair loss - restless legs
- pica, which is unusual cravings for nonfood items, such as ice or paint
A person may have a low iron saturation level for various reasons.
Common causes of low iron saturation include:
blood loss , such as from bleeding in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract- certain rare genetic conditions, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
- intestinal and digestive conditions that cause problems with iron absorption, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- certain types of
cancer , such as colon cancer - heart failure
some medications , such as proton pump inhibitors, anticoagulants, and blood thinners, which people with chronic kidney disease often take
Certain factors can
Examples of risk factors for low iron saturation
- Age: Infants, young children, pregnant people, and those approaching menopause have an increased risk.
- Genetics: Certain bleeding disorders, such as Von Willebrand’s disease, affect the blood’s ability to clot.
- Lifestyle factors: These include eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, eating a diet low in iron-rich foods, and undergoing frequent blood tests or donations.
- Hormonal changes: People who experience heavy menstruation have a higher risk of becoming anemic. The risk also increases during pregnancy.
The treatment for low iron saturation levels focuses on raising the iron saturation level so that it falls within the normal range.
A person with a low iron saturation level may need to take medicinal iron to increase their saturation level. Medicinal iron contains more iron than multivitamins. Most adults with iron deficiency require 2–5 mg of iron per kilogram of body weight per day.
Experts
A person can also take other vitamins that improve iron absorption, such as vitamin C.
In cases where the gastrointestinal tract has difficulty absorbing iron, the intravenous delivery of iron — meaning through a blood vessel — may be necessary.
People with severe iron deficiency anemia may require a red blood cell transfusion. This procedure quickly increases the number of red blood cells and iron in the blood and improves iron saturation.
A person can also make lifestyle changes to increase their iron saturation levels, such as:
- eating a diet rich in iron
- avoiding certain food items that reduce iron absorption, such as black tea
- increasing the intake of vitamin C to help the body absorb iron
Read about ways to increase hemoglobin in the blood.
A low iron saturation level or iron deficiency may lead to other complications,
- increased risk of infections
- heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or heart murmurs
- developmental delays in children
- pregnancy complications, such as preterm delivery or giving birth to an infant with low weight
- depression
Here are some frequently asked questions about low iron saturation.
Can you have low iron saturation without anemia?
It is
Should I worry about low iron saturation?
If a person has a mild iron deficiency, doctors may not recommend iron supplements, as too much iron can damage the organs. However, a person may need supplements or other treatments if they have iron deficiency anemia. In severe cases, they may also require treatment for complications of anemia or low iron saturation, which can include an increased risk of infections and heart problems.
How do you fix low iron saturation?
Consuming a diet rich in iron may help people with low iron deficiency. For more severe cases of low iron saturation, doctors may recommend iron supplements. For severe iron deficiency anemia, intravenous iron may be necessary.
How long does it take to fix low iron saturation?
If a person is taking iron supplements, it can take
Iron saturation refers to the amount of iron present in the blood. Low iron saturation means there is a low amount of iron in the blood.
Low iron saturation has a range of possible causes, including pregnancy, frequent bleeding, heavy menstruation, and certain genetic or gastrointestinal disorders. A medical professional will diagnose low iron saturation using a combination of tests, including a complete blood count.
The treatment for low iron saturation typically includes a diet rich in iron, iron supplements, and medicinal iron.
Chronic iron deficiency may lead to complications such as heart problems, infections, and developmental delays.