Discover: Iron Absorption

Iron Absorption

Iron and the TF And TMPRSS6 Genes

Iron is a mineral found in tiny quantities in the body, but it is of vital importance. Both too little and too much Iron can have undesirable health implications, so it is important to keep Iron levels within the normal range.

Most Iron in the body is found in two proteins that carry oxygen: hemoglobin (in red blood cells) and myoglobin (in muscles). Other proteins ensure that Iron is absorbed from food into the gut (ferritin) and that it gets released and transported when the body needs it (transferrin). A hormone called hepcidin helps to keep Iron levels in the blood within the normal range by limiting its absorption and regulating its transport, storage, recycling and loss. The body can regulate the amount of Iron it absorbs from food depending on its current Iron stores. When they’re empty, it tries to absorb more Iron, when they’re full, it tries to absorb less. A lack of Iron has important consequences and it also affects the body’s natural defense system (the immune system).

Iron levels depend on several factors including how efficiently Iron is transported through the blood to the target organs, as well as how well Iron can be absorbed in the body. Some foods can influence your body’s ability to absorb them. Vitamin C and foods rich in Vitamin C have been shown to enhance Iron absorption as it captures and stores a particular form of Iron (called non-heme) which is more easily absorbed by the body.

Iron levels are influenced by your current diet, your genes and many other factors. Genes that affect your Iron levels include TF and TMPRSS6:

The TF gene produces the protein transferrin, which ensures that Iron is transported throughout the body when required.

The TMPRSS6 gene can stop the action of hepcidin, allowing the Iron found in food to be absorbed and transported to wherever the body needs it.

Your overall likelihood of Iron levels and your body’s Iron needs are calculated by combining your results for TF and TMPRSS6.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C And The SLC23A1 Gene

Vitamin C is a vitamin that your body cannot store and needs on a daily basis, and can be naturally found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables of a range of colors. It plays many crucial roles in the body. It works as an antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process and trigger certain diseases. It also participates (as a cofactor) in many important functions in the body, such as the formation of collagen for healthy teeth and bones, the formation of blood vessels, and the production of neurotransmitters for balanced mental health. Vitamin C also contributes to the body’s immune defense by supporting various cellular functions.

Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections. In turn, infections significantly impact on Vitamin C levels due to enhanced inflammation and metabolic requirements. Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections.

Iron levels depend on several factors including how well Iron can be absorbed in the body. Some foods can influence your body’s ability to absorb it. Vitamin C and foods rich in Vitamin C have been shown to enhance Iron absorption as it captures and stores a particular form of Iron (called non-heme) which is more easily absorbed by the body.

The amount of Vitamin C that the body can use may be influenced by a gene called SLC23A1.

The SLC23A1 gene produces the main transporter for Vitamin C in the gut. Providing the intake is sufficient, an efficient transportation process provides enough Vitamin C levels for the body to use.

Knowing your SLC23A1 gene variation can help you to understand your likely levels of Vitamin C and your body’s needs.