What does it mean if the soluble transferrin receptor level is high?

Generally, elevated soluble transferrin receptor levels may be caused by increased demand during growth and development, stress response after strenuous exercise, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, chronic hemorrhagic anemia, and other reasons. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a formal hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Increased Demand During Growth and Development

Adolescents or pregnant women in rapid growth phases experience increased iron requirements, leading to relative iron deficiency, which stimulates the bone marrow to synthesize more soluble transferrin receptors. It is recommended to consume more iron-rich foods such as lean meat, animal liver, spinach, and supplement vitamin C to promote iron absorption.

2. Stress Response After Strenuous Exercise

High-intensity exercise accelerates metabolism and increases the demand for red blood cell production, resulting in a temporary elevation of soluble transferrin receptor levels. After exercise, appropriate rest and hydration along with nutritional replenishment can gradually normalize the levels. It is recommended to increase exercise intensity gradually.

3. Iron Deficiency Anemia

When the body's iron stores are depleted, the ability of transferrin to bind iron decreases, prompting the bone marrow to produce more soluble transferrin receptors to enhance iron uptake. Under a doctor's guidance, iron supplements such as ferrous fumarate tablets, ferrous succinate tablets, and iron dextran oral solution can be used. Additionally, avoid drinking strong tea that may interfere with iron absorption.

4. Thalassemia

Abnormal globin synthesis leads to impaired red blood cell production, and the body compensates for insufficient iron utilization by increasing the expression of soluble transferrin receptors. Mild cases generally do not require specific treatment but should avoid fatigue and infections. Moderate cases can receive iron-chelating therapy under medical guidance using medications such as deferoxamine injection, deferiprone tablets, and deferasirox dispersible tablets.

5. Chronic Hemorrhagic Anemia

Long-term chronic blood loss caused by conditions like gastrointestinal ulcers leads to continuous iron loss, stimulating increased synthesis of soluble transferrin receptors. It is essential to actively treat the underlying disease. For example, peptic ulcers can be managed under medical guidance with medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, ranitidine capsules, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets, while also supplementing with iron to correct anemia.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate intake of iron and protein; undergo regular complete blood count tests to monitor iron metabolism indicators; avoid excessive fatigue and maintain a regular lifestyle. If levels remain abnormal, promptly identify the cause and implement targeted treatment.