I had a runner recently test positive for Lyme disease, which explained his recent decline in performance. Of course, he was also tested for low iron. His HGB and HCT were normal-low, I would like some input of some other numbers that I don't know a lot about:
Transferrin: 316 mg/dl
TIBC: 443 mcg/dl
Saturation: 11.5%
HGB: 13.9 GM/DL
HCT: 41.0%
MCV: 88 FL
MCH: 30.0 PG
MCHC: 33.9 GM/DL
From my research his transferrin and TIBC levels are high-normal, while saturation is below normal. The other figures are normal to low-normal. They did every test know to man, except serrum or SF - figures.
I know the liver can produce more transferrin in response to low iron levels and often high TIBC and low saturation percent can mean low serum or SF levels.
SO, I'm basically asking are his transferrin and TIBC high and saturation percent low in comparison to his other numbers? If the answer is yes, is it worth getting a serum and SF test?
He currently started taking an iron supplement 1x a day, but the absorption is going to be very low due to his antibiotics.
Thanks!