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Blood Health

UIBC

Optimal Result: 131 - 425 µg/dL, 23.45 - 76.08 µmol/L, or 131.00 - 425.00 umol/L.

Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) is a blood test most frequently used along with a serum iron test and a total iron-binding capacity test (TIBC) to evaluate people suspected of having either iron deficiency or iron overload.

UIBC is used for calculation of TIBC: TIBC [µg/dL] = UIBC [µg/dL] + Iron [µg/dL]

Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. Your body makes transferrin in relationship to your need for iron. When iron stores are low, transferrin levels increase, while transferrin is low when there is too much iron. Usually about one third of the transferrin is being used to transport iron. Because of this, your blood serum has considerable extra iron-binding capacity, which is the UIBC. The TIBC is the total iron binding capacity. It equals UIBC plus the serum iron measurement. Some laboratories measure UIBC, some measure TIBC, and some measure transferrin. This test helps your doctor know how well that protein can carry iron in the blood. One or more tests may be ordered when there are signs of anemia, especially when a comprehensive blood count is performed and shows red blood cells that are microcytic and hypochromic and the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are low.

The most common symptoms of anemia include:

- Chronic fatigue / tiredness

- Dizziness

- Weakness

- Headaches

- Pale skin

When a healthcare professional suspects that a person may have iron overload or when a person has a family history of hemochromatosis then iron, UIBC, and TIBC may be ordered along with a ferritin test.

Symptoms of iron overload will vary from person to person and tend to worsen over time; they may include:

- Join pain

- Fatigue, weakness

- Weight loss

- Lack of energy         

- Abdominal pain

- Loss of sex drive

- Loss of hair

- Heart problems

What does it mean if your UIBC result is too high?

Elevated levels of Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC) typically signify that there is a higher capacity for transferrin to bind iron, which often points to iron deficiency. This occurs because when the body lacks sufficient iron, transferrin remains largely unbound, leading to increased UIBC levels. Diagnostically, elevated UIBC is a crucial indicator of iron deficiency anemia, where the body does not have enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and brittle nails. In severe cases, individuals may experience chest pain, cold hands and feet, or restless legs syndrome.

The primary treatment for iron deficiency anemia involves addressing the underlying cause of the iron deficiency and replenishing iron stores in the body. This is often achieved through dietary changes, iron supplements, and in some cases, intravenous iron therapy. A diet rich in iron includes foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and iron-fortified cereals. Vitamin C is also recommended as it enhances iron absorption. Iron supplements are typically taken in the form of ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate, with the dosage and duration depending on the severity of the deficiency. In instances where oral iron supplements are ineffective or not tolerated, intravenous iron may be administered under medical supervision. Regular monitoring of iron levels and UIBC is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to adjust it as necessary, ensuring that iron levels return to normal and symptoms are alleviated.

What does it mean if your UIBC result is too low?

Low levels of Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC) typically signify that most of the transferrin in the bloodstream is saturated with iron, which often points to conditions of iron overload. One common diagnosis associated with low UIBC is hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet. Other conditions that may result in low UIBC include chronic liver disease, sideroblastic anemia, and certain types of chronic infections or inflammations. Symptoms of iron overload can vary but often include fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, and in more severe cases, organ damage such as liver cirrhosis, diabetes, and heart problems. Diagnosing iron overload usually involves a combination of blood tests, including serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels, alongside genetic testing for hereditary hemochromatosis.

Treatment options focus on reducing iron levels in the body to prevent organ damage. The primary treatment is phlebotomy, or blood removal, which helps to decrease iron levels. For those who cannot undergo phlebotomy, iron chelation therapy, which involves taking medication that binds to iron and helps remove it from the body, may be used. Additionally, dietary modifications to reduce iron intake and avoid vitamin C supplements, which can increase iron absorption, are often recommended. Monitoring and regular follow-up are essential to manage the condition effectively and prevent complications.

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