Transferrin · low result
What does a low Transferrin mean?
Short answer
Low transferrin occurs with iron overload (production is down-regulated when iron is plentiful), with inflammation and chronic disease (it is a negative acute-phase protein), and with malnutrition, liver disease or kidney protein loss. With a high saturation it points toward hemochromatosis; with a high ferritin and low iron, toward inflammation.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Transferrin?
- age 18+: 200 – 360 mg/dL
Can reflect inflammation, malnutrition, or liver disease.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Transferrin biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low Transferrin?
- Iron overload: hereditary hemochromatosis, transfusions, excess supplementation
- Inflammation, infection, chronic disease, cancer
- Malnutrition, liver disease, nephrotic syndrome
- Rare inherited atransferrinemia
What symptoms go with low Transferrin?
- Usually none from transferrin itself
- Joint pain, fatigue, bronze skin in overload
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Transferrin saturation and ferritin
- CRP, albumin (inflammation and nutrition)
- HFE genetic testing if saturation stays above 45%
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: Ferritin ($24.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
How do you recheck Transferrin?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transferrin | Test | $23.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
Common questions
Does low transferrin mean iron overload?
Only with a high transferrin saturation and ferritin. Low transferrin with low iron and normal-to-high ferritin is the inflammation pattern.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.