Low iron saturation: Symptoms, treatment, and more – Medical News Today

Low iron saturation occurs when the amount of iron in the blood decreases below the recommended range. People may also refer to this as iron deficiency.

Iron saturation refers to the amount of iron that is 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 what treatments are 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 persons health.

There are three measurements that a doctor can take to determine the level of iron in the body.

Transferrin is among the proteins that the blood contains. This protein binds to iron, which it transports around the body and to the bone marrow to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is present in red blood cells.

Measuring transferrin may indicate the level of iron saturation in the blood. The normal range for transferrin is 204360 milligrams (mg) per deciliter. An amount higher than this indicates a low level of iron saturation.

TIBC indicates the total amount of iron to which protein in the blood can bind.

Measuring TIBC may also indicate the saturation level of iron. The normal range for TIBC is 250450 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl). A value higher than this range may indicate iron deficiency or low iron saturation.

A medical professional may also measure the serum iron level.

The serum iron test measures the level of iron in the blood. The normal range for serum iron is:

Values below these reference ranges indicate a low iron saturation.

There are different stages of iron deficiency and iron depletion. These include:

A person with a low iron saturation in the blood may experience various symptoms of iron deficiency. The most common include:

A person may have a low iron saturation level for various reasons.

Common causes of low iron saturation include:

Certain factors can increase a persons likelihood of experiencing low iron saturation. These include medical conditions and lifestyle choices, such as diet.

Examples of risk factors for low iron saturation include:

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 include:

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 25 mg of iron per kilogram of body weight per day.

Experts do not generally recommend iron supplements for people who do not have iron deficiency anemia, as too much iron can damage the organs.

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. These changes may include:

A low iron saturation level or iron deficiency may lead to other complications. Some of the possible complications include:

A person can take steps to prevent low iron saturation levels.

For example, they can eat plenty of iron-rich foods, which include:

They can also follow a diet that promotes the absorption of iron in the blood. While vitamin C may increase the bioavailability of iron, experts believe that calcium decreases it.

A person with known risk factors for low iron saturation can reduce their risk by regularly screening for iron deficiency anemia.

Parents and caregivers can help prevent low iron saturation in infants by ensuring that they meet their daily recommended iron intake.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the recommended iron dietary iron intake is:

Iron-fortified formula can also help a child meet their iron needs. Once a child begins eating solid food, it is important to introduce foods that contain iron.

Iron saturation refers to the amount of iron that is present in the blood. Low iron saturation means that there is a low amount of iron in the blood. Transferrin binds to and transports iron, while ferritin stores this mineral in the body.

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, which may include a complete blood count, a serum iron test, a transferrin test, and a TIBC test.

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.

A person can often prevent low iron saturation by following a diet rich in iron to ensure that they meet the recommended daily iron intake.

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Low iron saturation: Symptoms, treatment, and more - Medical News Today