Transferrin is a blood plasma protein that is found in humans. The main function of this protein is to deliver iron ions to various parts of the body. Transferrin is a type of glycoprotein that effectively allows iron to group together tightly. Thus, it is an essential part of the human body that is largely responsible for all iron distribution.
When a blood plasma protein comes in contact with a transferrin receptor, found on the surface of cells, the protein attaches itself to the receptor. As a result, iron is delivered into the receptor. Most of this blood plasma protein located inside the body comes from the liver. However, other parts of the body, including the brain, produce this protein as well.
If a transferrin imbalance occurs within a human, the consequence of this imbalance is often dire. People who have an increased amount of transferrin often suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Those that have lower levels of this protein tend to suffer from a protein deficiency. Both high and low levels of iron can usually be combated by taking prescribed medication. Left untreated, these conditions can be serious, and sometimes even fatal.
In order to detect iron levels within the body, a transferrin receptor test is given. This test will determine whether or not a patient is suffering from low or high levels of iron. This test is only performed if a medical doctor suspects that a patient may be suffering from an iron imbalance. Fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and trouble concentrating are all symptoms that iron levels may not be properly balanced. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should consult with a medical doctor right away. More often than not, an iron imbalance is caused by an improper diet.
Presently, scientists are experimenting with the manipulation of these protein cells in the hopes that added protein cells will help to combat cancerous tumors. In addition, some scientists believe that an iron deficiency may be linked to other diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and clinical depression. Clearly, transferrin is far more than a simple blood plasma protein. When this protein is reduced or elevated, humans can suffer a number of different ailments. People that consume a vegetarian, vegan, or junk food laden diet should have their iron levels checked regularly. Changing iron levels within the body is easy to do, but only if a problem is detected in the first place.