Iron is a vital nutrient needed by the human body. Your body needs iron for hemoglobin, a type of protein found in red blood cells that carry the oxygen produced in your lungs to all other parts of your body.
You might be surprised to know that iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body lacks iron, is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. Many cases of iron anemia are acquired, meaning that the body simply does not receive enough iron on a daily basis, but other cases can be due to an individual’s genetic makeup. Depending on your genetic variations, your body might absorb iron easier or harder.
Excess iron levels, on the other hand, can also lead to toxicity and even increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long run, according to recent studies. Some people have the genetic makeup to absorb iron efficiently while others are more susceptible to low iron levels. Some types of iron deficiency anemia are also hereditary, meaning that your parents or grandparents have passed their low iron levels onto you, their offspring.
The only sure way to find out is to take genetic testing for potential vitamin deficiencies including your iron levels. LifeDNA offers free Vitamin and Nutritional Reports with their home testing kits that are accessible and affordable.
Quite literally, the heart cannot function without iron. That little organ that pumps blood and keeps you alive needs iron to receive oxygen. However, too much iron can also do a lot of bad. Balance is the key, and with that, iron supplementation is usually done under the supervision of a physician.
If you’re wondering, “Can I check my iron levels at home?” The answer is yes, there are multiple home test kits available for you to purchase and check if you are at risk of developing low iron levels. Apart from a home test for iron levels, a DNA test for potential vitamin deficiencies can also help you determine what your genetic variations say about your health and wellness.
Low iron levels can affect people of all ages – children, pregnant and lactating or menstruating women, and people being treated with kidney dialysis are among the highest risks for iron deficiency anemia. Other instances such as loss of blood, cancer, internal bleeding, and other conditions can also put you at risk.
Nevertheless, checking how DNA affects your iron levels won’t hurt. LifeDNA offers full and comprehensive reports on your vitamin and nutrient levels based on your DNA. Knowing if you are at risk of low or high iron levels can help you adjust your supplementation to prevent deficiency or toxicity.
Eat a balanced diet with dark and leafy greens, beans, red meat, seafood, and other iron-fortified food and drinks. Taking Vitamin C supplements might also help your body absorb iron better. As always, consult with your primary care physician before making any major changes in your diet.
*Understanding your genetics can offer valuable insights into your well-being, but it is not deterministic. Your traits can be influenced by the complex interplay involving nature, lifestyle, family history, and others.
Our reports have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents on our website and our reports are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose any medical condition, replace the advice of a healthcare professional, or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes or if you have any other concerns about your results. The testimonials featured may have used more than one LifeDNA or LifeDNA vendors’ product or reports.
