UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)
UIBC measures the portion of transferrin not currently bound to iron and equals TIBC minus serum iron. It rises in iron deficiency and falls in iron overload or chronic inflammation. UIBC is often reported together with serum iron and TIBC to calculate transferrin saturation and give a fuller picture of iron balance.
Optimal range: who says what
No institution or named practitioner we track states an optimal target for UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity). How we verify ranges.
- General guidance, no named sourceWithin referenceInterpret with ferritin and transferrin saturation rather than alone
- Lab reference interval110-370 μg/dLWhat a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
6 of 21 itemized panels
Vitamins & Nutrients
Why UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity) matters
Measures unused iron-binding capacity. High UIBC indicates iron deficiency; low suggests iron overload. Used with TIBC to calculate transferrin saturation.
Which Providers Test UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)?
Cheapest: Mito Health at $297/year. Most comprehensive: Vitality Blueprint Elite, 138 biomarkers for $700/year.
6 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $297 | 100+ | $2.97 | |
| $375 | 108 | $3.47 | |
| $700 | 138 | $5.07 | |
| $895 | 100+ | $8.95 | |
| $1198 | 40+ | $29.95 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
15 itemized panels do not include UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)
Superpower · WHOOP Advanced Labs · Labcorp OnDemand · Everlywell · InsideTracker · Function Health · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Blueprint · Empirical Health · Oura Health Panels · SiPhox Health · Hims Labs · Healthspan · Ultrahuman Blood Vision Annual
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity). Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)?
No institution or named practitioner we track states an optimal target for UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity). General guidance without a named source: Within reference (Interpret with ferritin and transferrin saturation rather than alone). Lab reference interval: 110-370 μg/dL. That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)?
6 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity) in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
Related: YouBoost rates lifestyle and supplement interventions by evidence.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Aug 26, 2026 · First published Nov 30, 2025