Is hereditary hemochromatosis genetic?
Yes. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic condition. Most cases of hereditary hemochromatosis are due to variants in the HFE gene, although variants in other genes have also been found.
Hereditary hemochromatosis affects many people
Hereditary hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic diseases in the U.S. It is estimated that about 1 million people in the U.S. are affected by hereditary hemochromatosis.
Early detection is important
Diagnosing and treating hemochromatosis early can help people maintain a normal life expectancy. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes.
Explore more
Want to learn more? You can find out whether you may have an increased risk of developing iron overload based on your genetics through the 23andMe Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HFE-Related) Genetic Health Risk report*. This report looks for the two most common genetic variants, both in the HFE gene, that are linked to hereditary hemochromatosis. You can get this report and more in the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service.
Health + Ancestry Service
*The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. The Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HFE‑Related) genetic health risk report is indicated for reporting of the C282Y and H63D variants in the HFE gene and describes if a person has variants associated with an increased risk of developing iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis. The variants included in this report are best studied in people of European descent.
References
Barton et al. (2000). “HFE Hemochromatosis.” [Accessed Oct 11, 2021].
MedlinePlus. “HFE.” Retrieved Dec 5, 2022 from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/hfe/#conditions
