If I have the single gene mutation (heterozygote) and am a “silent carrier” for hemochromatosis, will I become iron overloaded?
Most carriers do not become ill (have symptoms or elevated iron levels) during their lifetime, however, they should avoid the same things that the double gene person does. Carriers are at higher risk than non-carriers for loading excess iron and can become iron overloaded so they should be annually monitored by their physicians. Carriers of the single mutation, known as “silent carriers” should also refrain from heavy alcohol consumption and/or massive vitamin C supplementation (you may drink orange juice but do not take mega doses of vitamin C pills), and vitamins containing iron. Single gene carriers are at risk of loading high iron and should annually monitor their iron levels with serum iron, TIBC, and serum ferritin tests.
Related Questions
- If I have the single gene mutation (heterozygote) and am a "silent carrier" for hemochromatosis, will I become iron overloaded?
- Are the hemochromatosis (HFE) gene mutation and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection risk factors for porphyria cutanea tarda?
- Does compound heterozygote mean both alleles comes from one parent only or one allele from each parent?
