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What Causes Low TIBC Level?
Question: I have low tibc. 165. For 15 years it fluctuated between 150 and 180.
That is the only iron or any blood level that is off. All of my blood work is normal except that. Including thyroid all other iron counts, glucose -- absolutely everything else is normal. I have had this for 15 years that I know of. What could be causing it. Should I worry?
That is the only iron or any blood level that is off. All of my blood work is normal except that. Including thyroid all other iron counts, glucose -- absolutely everything else is normal. I have had this for 15 years that I know of. What could be causing it. Should I worry?
Brief Answer:
Not to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on your medical reports and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. TIBC is a mixture of unsaturated iron binding capacity and transferrin.
2. Transferrin forms the major component, upto more than 70%. Malnutrition and liver disease are the usual causes. Other reason, transferrin level falls is that of chronic diseases.
3. Looking at all your blood values, including thyroid - malnutrition, chronic diseases inflammation or liver disease would have shown up.
4. Its possible, your transferrin level might be genetically low leading to low TIBC. Transferrin is known to be one of the early markers of nutritional deficiency assessment. You will need to improve your nutrition. Its nothing to worry.
However, if you have any chronic diseases or malnutrition, it would explain TIBC. As it is present since fifteen years, it might be borderline malnutrition or genetically low transferrin. At present, improve your diet, with increased protein intake like eggs, fish, lean meat, pulses etc. Otherwise, continue with you same diet.
If you want to add anything more based on my opinion, I will try to explain more in detail.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Not to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on your medical reports and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. TIBC is a mixture of unsaturated iron binding capacity and transferrin.
2. Transferrin forms the major component, upto more than 70%. Malnutrition and liver disease are the usual causes. Other reason, transferrin level falls is that of chronic diseases.
3. Looking at all your blood values, including thyroid - malnutrition, chronic diseases inflammation or liver disease would have shown up.
4. Its possible, your transferrin level might be genetically low leading to low TIBC. Transferrin is known to be one of the early markers of nutritional deficiency assessment. You will need to improve your nutrition. Its nothing to worry.
However, if you have any chronic diseases or malnutrition, it would explain TIBC. As it is present since fifteen years, it might be borderline malnutrition or genetically low transferrin. At present, improve your diet, with increased protein intake like eggs, fish, lean meat, pulses etc. Otherwise, continue with you same diet.
If you want to add anything more based on my opinion, I will try to explain more in detail.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I did have a genetic analysis one time to check for hemochromatosis because it was thought to run in our family. I did not have the C282y/H63D combination -- so no hemochromatosis. But, I did have the H63D mutation. Would this be the genetic factor for the low TIBC?
Will low TIBC make fighting cancer in the future harder? I want to make sure my blood is healthy if I have to fight cancer. We have a lot of that in our family.
My GFR is 76 so is it too dangerous at my age to eat more protein as you suggested?To clarify the last message I sent: I am positive for the HETEROZYGOUS presence of the H63D mutation in the HFE gene.
Negative for C282Y
Will low TIBC make fighting cancer in the future harder? I want to make sure my blood is healthy if I have to fight cancer. We have a lot of that in our family.
My GFR is 76 so is it too dangerous at my age to eat more protein as you suggested?To clarify the last message I sent: I am positive for the HETEROZYGOUS presence of the H63D mutation in the HFE gene.
Negative for C282Y
Brief Answer:
Heterozygous - Not to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. As you already know, H63D mutation is also significant contributor for hemochromatosis along with C282Y. However, as you do not have C282Y, the H63D mutation effect will be less and also being heterozygous means, it could be only negligible. However, H63D is known to affect kidney in diabetes mellitus. It can also cause mild liver damage. These effects should be negligible or nothing due to its heterozygous nature.
2. The possible low transferrin can be explained by possibly your genetic makeup.
3. GFR of 76 is good. However, I am not able to see the reason for low GFR other than your age. With age, mild GFR reduction is common. I am asking you to take protein rich food moderately. Avoid pure protein supplements as they affect the renals more and at present GFR is nothing to worry about.
4. Regarding fighting cancer, healthy diet, good nutrition and active exercise are the best things. Take good amount of water.
Transferrin is less or rarely known to be active in fighting cancer and there are other proteins and cells, which fight cancer. Other than transferrin (only mildly reduced), you are having everything else in normal levels.
Best thing to do is good sleep, healthy diet, moderate exercise and active, joyous life to avoid cancer. Do have regular health checkups as recommended by your doctor.
hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Heterozygous - Not to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. As you already know, H63D mutation is also significant contributor for hemochromatosis along with C282Y. However, as you do not have C282Y, the H63D mutation effect will be less and also being heterozygous means, it could be only negligible. However, H63D is known to affect kidney in diabetes mellitus. It can also cause mild liver damage. These effects should be negligible or nothing due to its heterozygous nature.
2. The possible low transferrin can be explained by possibly your genetic makeup.
3. GFR of 76 is good. However, I am not able to see the reason for low GFR other than your age. With age, mild GFR reduction is common. I am asking you to take protein rich food moderately. Avoid pure protein supplements as they affect the renals more and at present GFR is nothing to worry about.
4. Regarding fighting cancer, healthy diet, good nutrition and active exercise are the best things. Take good amount of water.
Transferrin is less or rarely known to be active in fighting cancer and there are other proteins and cells, which fight cancer. Other than transferrin (only mildly reduced), you are having everything else in normal levels.
Best thing to do is good sleep, healthy diet, moderate exercise and active, joyous life to avoid cancer. Do have regular health checkups as recommended by your doctor.
hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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