Iron Sensor

Iron is Essential for Oxygen Supply in Our Body

Iron is a trace element that is necessary in the human body not only for various metabolic processes but also for synthesizing hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Therefore, iron is directly involved in oxygen transport and carbon dioxide removal. Adequate intake of this trace element is essential for us.

Iron Overload is Harmful

Although iron plays important roles in our body, an overload can pose health risks. A continuously elevated iron level can have serious consequences for our health and permanently damage our organs.

People genetically predisposed to hemochromatosis are particularly at risk. Hereditary hemochromatosis, also known as iron storage disease, is one of the most common hereditary metabolic disorders. It is caused by mutations in certain genes that lead to excessive iron absorption in the small intestine, resulting in iron deposits and damage to the liver, heart, pancreas, pituitary gland, and joints. Symptoms can include joint pain, fatigue, skin discoloration, early graying of hair, hair loss, diabetes, heart failure, arrhythmias, liver tumors, and cirrhosis.

The inherited form of hemochromatosis is very common in the Northern European population. One in ten individuals carries a mutated gene variant (heterozygous), while about one in 200 people with two mutated gene variants (homozygous) is at high risk of developing the disease. Whether the disease manifests depends partly on other factors, such as regular blood loss or diet.

Unfortunately, elevated liver values in lab results and some symptoms indicating iron storage disease are estimated to be misdiagnosed in around 70% of cases. This often leads to incorrect treatment and worsening of symptoms. A genetic test can provide an early diagnosis and simple preventive guidelines to lower iron levels in the blood.

How Does Our Iron Sensor Work?

With our Iron Sensor, our lab analyzes the submitted saliva sample for three genetic variations related to iron absorption from food.

This allows us to determine whether excessive amounts of iron are absorbed from food and if genetic predispositions for hemochromatosis are inherited.

We summarize the analysis results in a written report that highlights the risk of hemochromatosis and outlines individual preventive measures to prevent iron storage disease.

In this way, our Iron Sensor can significantly contribute to health prevention and help avert iron overload and the associated serious organ damage.