What is a common result of increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in iron deficiency anemia?

In iron deficiency anemia, one of the hallmark laboratory findings is an increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). This occurs because the body responds to low iron levels by increasing the production of transferrin, which is the protein responsible for transporting iron in the bloodstream. As a result, TIBC, which reflects the amount of transferrin in the blood that is not bound to iron, rises in response to the decreased iron stores.

Increased TIBC is often accompanied by decreased serum iron levels. In iron deficiency anemia, the body lacks sufficient iron to meet its physiological needs, leading to lower levels of iron available in the serum for incorporation into hemoglobin and other essential processes. Thus, the correct answer highlights that as TIBC increases due to a compensatory mechanism, the serum iron concentration typically decreases, reflecting the iron shortage in the body.

In contrast, elevated ferritin levels usually indicate iron overload or sufficient iron stores, which would not be seen in iron deficiency anemia. Increased hemoglobin levels would also not be a feature of iron deficiency, as a lack of iron directly affects hemoglobin production, commonly resulting in lower hemoglobin levels. Decreased transferrin saturation, which represents the percentage of transferrin that is bound with iron, would