Antioxidants - Total Iron Binding Capacity

Iron is transported in the blood by the serum protein transferrin. Transferrin is normally 30% saturated, that is 30% of the iron-binding sites contain an iron atom. The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is the amount of iron needed to 100% saturate transferrin. TIBC reflects iron status: levels are elevated when iron levels are low; therefore it is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of iron deficiency anaemia and iron deficiency in late pregnancy. Abnormal levels of TIBC can point towards a variety of disease states such as hereditary haemochromatosis, a common genetic disorder where iron levels are excessive, other anaemias, liver disease and malnutrition