what does it mean when TIBC and Transferrin are on the higher end or normal range, and Ferritin is slightly above the normal range, while actual iron value is on the lower end of normal?
It means to stop taking the ferritin supplement. It’s bad.
need more info than that, besides…zero iron supplementation.
you need pink…
what does it mean when TIBC and Transferrin are on the higher end or normal range, and Ferritin is slightly above the normal range, while actual iron value is on the lower end of normal?
liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or hyperthyroidism… to name a few.
Would need either more info or you better leave it up to your Doc(s).
A little alarmist, are we???
‘higher end of normal’, and ‘slightly above normal’…I’d honestly guess it means nothing.
You might be pregnant 
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There’s more to an iron panel then you posted. If you’re concerned contact your health care professional.
what does it mean when TIBC and Transferrin are on the higher end or normal range, and Ferritin is slightly above the normal range, while actual iron value is on the lower end of normal?
It could mean a lot of things. As advised, talk to the ordering MD.
One scenario:
Recent minor bleeding>mild anemia>drop in serum iron
Body responds by increasing transferrin (which is how iron is bound/transferred) and TIBC
Ferritin (long term iron stores) is unchanged-for now.
been this way for years, just shifting more to the bounds
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Ferritin is an ‘acute phase reactant’ and can be elevated from inflammation going on in the body, even a viral infection. Therefore, it should always be ordered with a CRP (C-reactive protein) to see if there is inflammation. A high Ferritin with high CRP means the Ferritin is elevated (or could be) from causes other than iron stores. Elevated TIBC most often goes with iron deficiency, but can be increased with pregnancy or oral contraceptives AND iron overload. If both transferrin and Ferritin are elevated and the CRP is normal, you cold be headed to iron overload.
How about the rest of the number? MCV, RDW, Hemoglobin/Hematocrit?
autoimmune …hypothyroid numbers are not really bad, i just get different input on it from different folks.
These numbers are effectively totally normal. Other than that dip in hemoglobin a couple years ago that was pretty mild, these numbers are all well within the realm of day to day variation of results
that is the conclusion I am coming to, tho my doc was being alarmist asking if i was taking iron supplements and telling me to stop if I was. Iron doesn’t look high to me
The opposite is true. Your iron is on the low end and the binding capacity is high. No reason at all to stop based on this info.
The opposite is true. Your iron is on the low end and the binding capacity is high. No reason at all to stop based on this info.
^^
This. Iron is the first thing to drop and the TIBC drifts up. It all happens way before you become overtly anemic.
I disagree with those above. Serum iron has very little to do with iron stores, except where it is very low. Those Ferritin number are HUGE. Most Ferritins are in the 30s-60s and rarely over 100. Elevated iron binding capacity (TIBC) can be due to iron deficiency OR excess iron. Were you iron deficient, the Ferritin would be low, with the high TIBC and your RDW would likely be high.
I think that you are likely iron overloaded. I’m not a hematologist, but I think your doc is correct. Endurance athletes, especially runners, need extra iron due to break down of red cells in the feet, but you are probably overloaded and should stop your iron supplements. At the very least, you should see a hematologist before continuing your iron use.
I am not iron supplementing and never have, current and historical numbers are non-supplemented.
I am hypothyroid, but have no idea if that is related.
edit, also have read on mayo that normal ferritin for males is up to 500
edit, also have read on mayo that normal ferritin for males is up to 500
#Notgonnahappen
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I disagree with those above. Serum iron has very little to do with iron stores, except where it is very low. Those Ferritin number are HUGE. Most Ferritins are in the 30s-60s and rarely over 100. Elevated iron binding capacity (TIBC) can be due to iron deficiency OR excess iron. Were you iron deficient, the Ferritin would be low, with the high TIBC and your RDW would likely be high.
I think that you are likely iron overloaded. I’m not a hematologist, but I think your doc is correct. Endurance athletes, especially runners, need extra iron due to break down of red cells in the feet, but you are probably overloaded and should stop your iron supplements. At the very least, you should see a hematologist before continuing your iron use.
My patients who have to have blood draws for their genetic iron overload state would love those numbers. I feel you do not have a grip on the facts. Those are normal ferritin numbers.
I have nothing more to say to you or the OP.
Agreed.