TransferrinNutrition library
LibraryBlood markersIron studies
Transferrin
Transferrin is the main blood protein that carries iron — capacity rises when iron stores are low.
High transferrin with low ferritin and low saturation fits iron deficiency; low transferrin may reflect inflammation or liver disease. Interpret as part of the iron panel, not in isolation.
How to read it
Use alongside serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation. The app's absorbed-iron model tracks dietary intake separately from this transport protein.
Trimester context
| Stage | For the mother | For the baby |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester | — | — |
| Second trimester | Rising erythropoietic demand can increase transferrin production when stores are strained. | Maternal iron transport capacity supports placental transfer. |
| Third trimester | Optimising the full iron panel before delivery reduces anaemia risk. | Late pregnancy iron accretion depends on maternal transport and stores. |