Iron in all its forms.

[Madlegs1]

This description of the various forms of iron came up in an answer on the Iron Disorders Institute email forum. I have got permission from the poster to share on this site.

Hopefully it will clarify some of the mystery about the whole iron situations in our bodies.

"Serum Iron - circulating iron, subject to diurnal variation, meaning it

changes by time of day regardless of intake. Fasting serum iron usually

higher in the AM for most people.

Transferrin - iron transporter produced in the liver. Each Trf has two

iron-binding sites (think of it as an Asian tuk-tuk with seats for only two

passengers). It shuttles iron in and out of cells and the bone marrow where

it’s needed for hgb & red cell production.

Transferrin Saturation - the percentage of iron-binding sites “occupied”

with iron. (Butts on seats in tuk-tuks). Ideally only 35-45% of iron-binding

sites are occupied.

Serum Ferritin is an indicator of iron in storage; AND as it is also known

to be an “acute phase reactant”, it rises temporarily in response to

inflammation or infection.

Going back to the transferrin, why is it ideal to have only 35-45% of sites

occupied? The empty sites need to be available in times of infection so any

free iron can be withheld from invaders. Viral infections tend to raise

TSat% and bacterial infections raise ferritin."

HGB ( Haemoglobin) is related to the availability of red blood cells/ platelets, and thus affects our immediate health.

Thanks to Em. She is a truly wonderful source of knowledge for iron issues.

Good luck to all.

[Jumpey]

Cheers Madlegs for this feedback. You're a good 'un! x

[Madlegs1 in reply to Jumpey]

Thank you kindly.😊

[Graham3196]

Thanks for putting this up. Its a really helpful article.

Graham