← Blood tests
Transferrin Saturation (% Sat)
Routine annualalso iron saturation
What it isThe percentage of transferrin that is currently carrying iron, calculated as serum iron divided by TIBC.
DoesReports the loading state of the iron transport system.
GoodMid-range saturation signals balanced iron handling.
BadLow saturation (<20%) confirms iron deficiency. Persistently high saturation (>45%) is the primary screen for hereditary hemochromatosis and drives organ damage from iron overload.
- Standard
- 20–50%.
- Optimal
- 25–40% (narrow target)
- Modifiers
- Same drivers as serum iron and TIBC.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Phlebotomy if elevated due to overload.
- Diet
- Adjust based on direction; reduce heme iron and vitamin C with meals if overload; emphasize tea (binds iron) in overload.
- Supplements
- Iron only if confirmed deficient; lactoferrin gentler than salts.
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Phlebotomy or chelation for hemochromatosis; IV iron for severe deficiency.
LactoferrinIron
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Iron