Serum Transferrin and Iron Binding Capacity in Pregnant Women with Anaemia in Ekiti State

Anaemia in pregnancy is a major public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study evaluates serum transferrin levels, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation in pregnant women with and without anaemia attending antenatal clinics in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, recruiting 80 anaemic pregnant women (haemoglobin below 11 g/dL) and 80 non-anaemic pregnant women as controls at various gestational ages. Venous blood samples were analysed for transferrin by immunoturbidimetry, total iron-binding capacity by the standard colourimetric method, and serum iron by the ferrozine method. Full blood count parameters were simultaneously determined. Gestational age, parity, nutritional status, and iron supplementation adherence were documented. The study aims to characterise the iron metabolism status of anaemic pregnant women in Ekiti State and to determine whether low transferrin saturation is the predominant biochemical pattern. Findings will contribute to refining iron supplementation and dietary counselling strategies in antenatal care in South West Nigeria. Keywords: serum transferrin, iron-binding capacity, anaemia in pregnancy, iron deficiency, Ekiti State.