Which iron-related condition can be inferred if TIBC levels are significantly elevated?

Elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) levels are indicative of iron deficiency. When the body is low on iron, it responds by increasing the production of transferrin, a protein that binds iron and thus increases TIBC. This is a compensatory mechanism aiming to maximize iron absorption from the diet and mobilize iron from stores.

In contrast, conditions like iron overload or hemosiderosis typically demonstrate low TIBC levels, as the body does not need to increase transferrin production when there is already an excess of iron. Ferroportin disease, which affects iron export from cells and can lead to iron accumulation, would also not be associated with elevated TIBC. Thus, the significant elevation of TIBC levels strongly points toward iron deficiency as the underlying condition.