What happens to TIBC/transferrin levels in iron deficiency anemia?

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Multiple Choice

What happens to TIBC/transferrin levels in iron deficiency anemia?

Explanation:
In iron deficiency anemia, the body ramps up production of transferrin, the main iron-binding protein in plasma, to maximize iron capture and transport when stores are depleted. This increases the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). So the level is increased. In contrast, low iron or depleted transferrin would not raise TIBC, and inflammation can suppress or normalize TIBC, which is why iron deficiency characteristically shows an elevated TIBC.

In iron deficiency anemia, the body ramps up production of transferrin, the main iron-binding protein in plasma, to maximize iron capture and transport when stores are depleted. This increases the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). So the level is increased. In contrast, low iron or depleted transferrin would not raise TIBC, and inflammation can suppress or normalize TIBC, which is why iron deficiency characteristically shows an elevated TIBC.

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