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Transferrin in the blood

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021

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Transferrin refers to beta-globulins. The main function of transferrin is transport of absorbed iron into its depot (liver, spleen), into 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 plasma, transferrin is present in four forms: apotransferrin, which is devoid of iron; two monoferriforms containing iron in one of both binding sites and diferritransferrin. The main place for the synthesis of transferrin is the liver. The mammary gland produces a protein with transferrin-like properties - lactoferrin. In comparison with the content of iron in the blood serum, the level of transferrin and iron saturation are more stable values with less pronounced differences in sex and age. Iron transferrin saturation ratio is the percentage of serum iron to transferrin expressed as a percentage. Normally, it is 20-55%.

Calculation formula: saturation factor = (serum iron / transferrin) x100. Saturation of transferrin less than 20% is a sign of reduced delivery of iron to the erythrocyte sprout of 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	Concentration of transferrin in serum
Age	Mg / dL	G / l
Newborns	130-275	1.3-2.75
Adults	200-320	2-3,2
Pregnant	305	3.05

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