TIBC/Ferritin Ratio
Formula
TIBC / FerritinWhat It Reveals
Iron deficiency versus iron overload status.
Interpretation Ranges
Optimal
1–5
Balanced iron stores and transport capacity
Borderline
5–10
Possible early iron depletion — monitor trends
High Risk
> 10
Iron deficiency likely — investigate cause and consider supplementation
Clinical Significance
TIBC rises when iron stores are depleted (the body creates more transferrin to scavenge scarce iron), while ferritin drops. A high TIBC/Ferritin ratio amplifies the signal of iron deficiency beyond what either marker shows alone, catching early depletion before anemia develops. Conversely, a very low ratio (< 1) may suggest iron overload or chronic inflammation suppressing TIBC.
What To Do
If high: investigate iron deficiency causes (diet, GI blood loss, heavy menstruation). Supplement with iron + vitamin C for absorption. Recheck in 8–12 weeks. If very low: screen for hemochromatosis (transferrin saturation, HFE gene). Rule out chronic inflammation with CRP.
Component Biomarkers
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Source: Blood 2003; American Society of Hematology Iron Deficiency Guidelines
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.