Iron | BTBD9 (rs3923809)

If you have the GG genotype for rs3923809, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with higher ferritin levels, suggesting your body may store more iron than typical.

Implications

• Higher ferritin often corresponds to larger iron stores. While adequate iron is essential, excess iron can increase oxidative stress and may be associated with liver, cardiovascular, or metabolic concerns in susceptible individuals.
• Higher ferritin does not always mean harmful iron overload. Ferritin is an acute phase reactant and can rise with inflammation or infection, so interpretation requires clinical context.

Diet and nutrition

• Maintain a balanced intake of iron-rich foods: red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, tofu, and dark leafy greens.
• Because your genotype favors higher storage, avoid routinely pairing iron-rich meals with high vitamin C to maximize absorption every time. Use vitamin C strategically when you want to increase iron absorption.
• Limit iron absorption enhancers at every meal if concerned about excess iron: avoid frequent high-dose vitamin C supplements with iron-rich meals and reduce heme-heavy meal frequency if advised by your clinician.

Foods and behaviors to limit during iron-rich meals

• Tea and coffee around meals
• Calcium-rich foods and supplements at the same time as iron-rich meals
• High-dose iron supplementation without medical indication

Testing and monitoring

• Check serum ferritin and transferrin saturation periodically to assess iron stores and track changes over time.
• Discuss liver function tests and other relevant labs with your healthcare provider if ferritin is persistently elevated.

Lifestyle suggestions

• Maintain a balanced diet with multiple protein sources and fiber to support gut health.
• Stay hydrated and maintain regular physical activity.
• Work with your clinician before beginning or stopping supplements.

If you have the AG genotype for rs3923809, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with likely higher ferritin levels, meaning your body may store more iron than typical, though usually less strongly than GG.

Implications

• Your genetic profile may modestly predispose you to increased iron storage. The actual effect depends on diet, inflammation, menstrual status, bleeding, and other health conditions.

Diet and nutrition

• Consume a balanced mix of iron-containing foods: red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and leafy greens.
• Pair plant-based iron with vitamin C-rich foods when you need to boost iron, but consider limiting strong enhancers regularly if ferritin trends high.
• Limit intake of tea, coffee, and calcium-containing foods near iron-rich meals to reduce iron absorption when appropriate.

Testing and monitoring

• Have serum ferritin measured as part of routine wellness labs if there are symptoms such as unexplained fatigue or if you have other risk factors for iron accumulation.
• Review results with your healthcare provider to consider whether any follow-up testing or strategy adjustments are needed.

Lifestyle suggestions

• Keep a varied diet and avoid long-term unnecessary iron supplementation without clinical indication.
• Maintain healthy weight, physical activity, and regular checkups to monitor iron and overall health.

If you have the AA genotype for rs3923809, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with lower ferritin levels, meaning your body may store less iron compared to those with the G variant.

Implications

• Lower ferritin may increase the risk of iron deficiency, which can cause fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, hair loss, or impaired cognitive function in some people.
• Consider life stage and other risk factors: menstruation, pregnancy, endurance training, vegetarian or vegan diets, and chronic blood loss increase iron needs.

Diet and nutrition

• Prioritize both heme and non-heme iron sources: red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified grains if consumed.
• Consistently pair plant-based iron with vitamin C foods such as citrus, bell peppers, strawberries, or kiwi to boost absorption.
• Avoid drinking tea or coffee directly with iron-rich meals and separate calcium supplements from iron-containing meals by a few hours.

Supplements and medical follow up

• Only consider iron supplements after discussing serum ferritin and hemoglobin results with your healthcare provider.
• If recommended, follow dosing instructions and take measures to reduce gastrointestinal side effects: take with food if needed, stay hydrated, and maintain fiber intake to support bowel regularity.

Testing and monitoring

• Measure serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and possibly transferrin saturation if symptoms of iron deficiency appear or if you are in a higher-risk group.
• Work with your clinician to identify causes of low iron and to design a targeted plan for dietary changes, supplementation if necessary, and follow-up testing.