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Transferrin in the blood
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Transferrin is a beta globulin. The main function of transferrin is to transport absorbed iron to its depots (liver, spleen), to reticulocytes and their precursors in the red bone marrow. Transferrin is able to bind ions of other metals (zinc, cobalt, etc.). Of the total amount of transferrin in the human body, only 25-40% contains iron. In human blood plasma, transferrin is present in four forms: apotransferrin, devoid of iron; two monoferriforms containing iron in one of the two binding sites, and diferritransferrin. The main place of transferrin synthesis is the liver. The mammary gland produces a protein with properties similar to transferrin - lactoferrin. In comparison with the iron content in the blood serum, the level of transferrin and its saturation with iron are more stable values with less pronounced differences by sex and age. The coefficient of saturation of transferrin with iron is the ratio of serum iron to transferrin, expressed as a percentage. Normally it is 20-55%.
Calculation formula: saturation coefficient = (serum iron/transferrin) x 100. Transferrin saturation less than 20% is a sign of reduced iron delivery to the red blood cell line of the red bone marrow.
Determination of transferrin in serum is the most reliable test for assessing iron deficiency anemia.
Reference values (norm) of transferrin concentration in blood serum
Age |
Serum transferrin concentration |
|
Mg/dl |
G/l |
|
Newborns |
130-275 |
1.3-2.75 |
Adults |
200-320 |
2-3.2 |
Pregnant women |
305 |
3.05 |