Vitamins & Nutrients
Transferrin
Vitamins & Nutrients
Iron transport protein. Helps assess iron deficiency or iron overload.
VAT-exempt medical service
Transferrin is the primary transport protein for iron in the blood. When iron levels drop, the body compensates by producing more transferrin to maximise iron transport from dietary absorption and storage sites. Conversely, iron overload suppresses transferrin production. Measuring transferrin alongside serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation provides the most accurate assessment of your iron status. Regular testing is important for anyone at risk of iron imbalance.
Transferrin is an essential component of a complete iron panel and should be tested if you have low dietary iron intake, heavy periods, a history of anaemia or haemochromatosis, or unexplained fatigue, dizziness and pale skin. It is also valuable for monitoring changes in iron status resulting from dietary adjustments, supplementation or medical treatment. Pregnancy and athletic activity further increase the importance of testing.
What a high value can mean
High transferrin is most commonly a sign of iron deficiency. When the body's iron stores are low, the liver produces more transferrin to try to capture and deliver every available iron molecule. This is a compensatory response and should be investigated alongside other iron markers.
What a low value can mean
Low transferrin may indicate iron overload (haemochromatosis), chronic inflammation, malnutrition, liver disease or kidney disorders. The body reduces transferrin production when there is already excess iron available. Results must be interpreted in the context of a full iron panel.
Avoid iron supplements for 24 hours before the test. Take the test in the morning before 10 am. Note your menstrual cycle day if applicable. Bring valid ID.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
The liver produces more transferrin to compensate for low iron stores, attempting to maximise the capture and delivery of any available iron in the body.
They are closely related. TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity) measures the total capacity of proteins to bind iron, and transferrin accounts for the vast majority of that capacity. Some labs report one or the other.
Yes. Inflammation, liver disease, malnutrition and kidney disorders can all affect transferrin levels independently of iron status. A full iron panel helps distinguish the cause.