Is Your Iron Binding Capacity Unsaturated?

The unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) indicates how many "seats" are available on transferrin, the iron-binding molecule that circulates in the blood. Under normal circumstances, approximately one-third of the sites on transferrin are saturated with iron, leaving two-thirds unoccupied or "unsaturated." 

However, a decrease in iron availability will increase the unsaturated binding capacity because there are more empty seats available. On the other hand, when there is too much iron around, the UIBC will decrease because fewer empty sites are available. 

Measuring the UIBC can help diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload, though it is not a standalone biomarker. Levels should be assessed alongside serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin.

Vitamin B12 status should also be evaluated, as a B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can mask an iron deficiency. In the event of cobalamin deficiency, iron status biomarker values may be falsely elevated or decreased.

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