% Saturation

• This percentage is essential for evaluating iron status.
• Low saturation (<20%) suggests iron deficiency, even before anemia develops.
• High saturation (>45%) may indicate iron overload (hemochromatosis). It helps distinguish between different types of anemia and guides iron supplementation decisions.

(Serum Iron / TIBC) × 100

• Transferrin Saturation (% Saturation) indicates what proportion of iron-binding sites on transferrin are occupied by iron
• It's calculated from serum iron and total iron binding capacity

• Low saturation (iron deficiency): Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands/feet, brittle nails, pica, restless legs.
• High saturation (iron overload): Joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, liver disease, diabetes, skin bronzing.

• Low saturation: Iron deficiency (inadequate intake, malabsorption, blood loss), chronic disease.
• High saturation: Hereditary hemochromatosis, multiple blood transfusions, excessive iron supplementation, liver disease.