Final answer:
In the second stage of iron deficiency, transferrin saturation decreases as the body's iron stores are depleted and fewer transferrin molecules are bound to iron.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the second stage of iron deficiency, transferrin saturation decreases. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the plasma, and its saturation refers to the percentage of transferrin molecules that are bound to iron. When the body is iron-deficient, it utilizes stored iron to meet its needs, resulting in decreased levels of circulating iron and, consequently, lower transferrin saturation. In the second stage of iron deficiency, iron stores are depleted, and the labile iron pool is diminished, which directly affects the transferrin saturation levels.
During the second state of iron deficiency, transferrin saturation decreases. The degree of saturation of transferrin determines the extent of iron absorption, with anemic individuals absorbing more than normal individuals. As a result, during iron deficiency, when there is a decrease in available iron, transferrin saturation decreases.
the correct option is c