When iron stores are low, what happens to transferrin levels in the body?

When iron stores in the body are low, the liver responds by increasing the production of transferrin, which is a glycoprotein that binds iron and transports it throughout the bloodstream. This adaptive response is crucial because transferrin's primary function is to help transport available iron to tissues that require it, especially for processes like erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells).

In states of iron deficiency, the body aims to maximize the utilization of the limited iron available by increasing transferrin levels. This mechanism allows for a more effective mobilization of iron from stores and enhanced delivery to cells that need it. Additionally, increased transferrin levels can lead to a higher transferrin saturation, effectively helping to conserve iron for critical bodily functions.

This increase in transferrin production in response to low iron is part of a regulatory mechanism that ensures iron homeostasis is maintained in the body. As a result, while the body is facing a deficit of iron, the levels of transferrin will rise to improve iron transport efficiency.