Comparative Study of Serum Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity and Transferrin Saturation Fraction Levels in Two Groups of Nigerians in Different Socio-Economic Classes

An analysis of serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation fraction using standard procedures on apparently healthy adults, 100 males and 100 females revealed the following: (1) A high degree of variability exists within our adults` serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation fraction whether in rural or urban areas. (2) The analysis of the data for sex differences showed that the adult males have higher serum iron levels, slightly lower total iron-binding capacities and greater transferrin saturation fraction levels than in the females. (3) Age at this period does not exert any significant influence on these iron parameters in adult life for both sexes. This work has shown that the levels of serum iron, total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation fraction in adults living in Calabar were higher than those in Ekori, both in Cross River state It is desired that further studies in the normal variability of these parameters in other parts of Nigeria be carried out.