HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Understanding Your SLC40A1 Result: How Ferroportin and Ferritin Affect Iron Balance

Iron is an essential mineral that supports oxygen transport in the blood, muscle function, hormone production, and immune health. Your SLC40A1 gene makes ferroportin, the only known protein that exports iron from intestinal cells and iron storage cells into the bloodstream. Variants in SLC40A1 can change how ferroportin works, sometimes causing iron to be retained inside cells and raising ferritin, the protein that stores iron. Elevated ferritin can indicate higher iron storage even when circulating iron appears normal. This article explains what those variants mean, how they may affect health, and practical steps you can take to maintain balanced iron levels.

How ferroportin and ferritin work together

  • Ferroportin exports iron from intestinal cells and storage cells into the blood stream. Proper export keeps iron available where the body needs it.
  • Ferritin stores iron inside cells. Higher blood ferritin usually means more iron is being stored in cells.
  • When ferroportin function is reduced, iron can become trapped inside cells. That can raise ferritin even when circulating iron levels are not high.
  • Balanced iron is important. Both iron deficiency and iron excess can negatively affect health.

Who should pay attention

People with family histories of iron overload, unexplained high ferritin, repeated abnormal liver tests, or symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or metabolic concerns may want to monitor iron carefully. Even without high-risk genotypes, routine attention to iron intake and testing is helpful for long term health.

Genetic interpretations

The summary below explains typical genetic patterns for the SLC40A1 variant rs11568350 and their likely effect on ferritin and iron regulation. Use the accordion sections to read the interpretation that matches your genotype.

2 effect alleles (AA) — Higher ferritin associated

If you have the AA genotype for rs11568350, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with higher ferritin levels. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, and elevated ferritin can indicate increased iron storage in cells. The SLC40A1 gene produces ferroportin, the only known protein that exports iron from cells into your bloodstream. Certain genetic variants can affect how ferroportin functions, potentially causing iron to accumulate inside cells rather than being released efficiently. This cellular iron retention can lead to higher ferritin levels in your blood, even when circulating iron remains normal. While iron is essential for oxygen transport, hormone production, and immune function, maintaining balanced levels is important, as excess iron storage may impact health over time.

1 effect allele (AC) — Likely higher ferritin

If you have the AC genotype for rs11568350, you carry one copy of the effect allele. The AC genotype is associated with likely higher ferritin levels. This variant in your SLC40A1 gene may affect how ferroportin, the body's only iron exporter, functions. When ferroportin does not work as effectively, iron can become trapped inside cells, particularly immune cells, leading to elevated ferritin levels in your blood even when circulating iron remains normal. This represents a form of iron regulation imbalance where your body may store more iron than typical. To support healthy iron balance, be mindful of high-iron foods especially red meat, pair plant based iron with vitamin C for controlled absorption, avoid unnecessary iron supplements unless prescribed, and schedule regular blood tests to monitor your ferritin levels, allowing for early detection of any imbalances.

0 effect alleles (CC) — Typical ferroportin function

If you have the CC genotype for rs11568350, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is associated with typical ferroportin function and iron regulation. Your SLC40A1 gene produces ferroportin protein that works normally to export iron from your intestinal cells and iron storage cells into your bloodstream. This typical function helps maintain balanced iron levels in your body. With this genotype, you are not predisposed to the iron accumulation patterns seen with certain SLC40A1 variants. However, maintaining healthy iron levels through a balanced diet remains important for everyone, as iron is essential for oxygen transport, muscle function, and immune health.

Diet recommendations

  • Favor balanced meals with moderate amounts of iron rich foods. For most people that means including a variety of plant and animal protein sources rather than large daily portions of red meat.
  • Pair non heme iron from plant foods with vitamin C to help controlled absorption when you want to increase iron uptake. Examples: spinach with lemon, beans with bell pepper.
  • Limit foods and beverages that inhibit iron absorption during iron rich meals. Tea, coffee, high calcium foods or supplements can reduce absorption if consumed with the meal.
  • Avoid taking iron containing supplements unless a clinician recommends them based on blood tests. Unnecessary supplementation can raise iron stores.
  • Consider food preparation practices that moderate iron intake. For example, cooking in cast iron increases iron content of food; use sparingly if you are monitoring iron.

Supplement and nutrient considerations

  • Do not start iron supplements without medical indication. If your ferritin is elevated, supplements can worsen iron overload.
  • Vitamin C supports iron absorption when desired. If your ferritin is high, you may prefer to avoid extra vitamin C at meals that are high in iron.
  • In some cases clinicians recommend substances that reduce iron absorption or increase iron removal. These must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
  • Ensure adequate intake of nutrients that support overall blood health such as B12, folate, and vitamin D but only supplement based on testing or clinical guidance.

Recommended lifestyle actions

  • Schedule routine blood testing to monitor iron status. Key tests include ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and complete blood count. Frequency depends on your genotype, symptoms, and clinician guidance.
  • Maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Healthy lifestyle habits support metabolism and overall iron handling.
  • If you have persistently elevated ferritin or symptoms suggestive of iron overload talk with your healthcare provider about additional evaluation, which may include liver tests and specialized iron studies.
  • If family members have known iron overload conditions consider family screening and genetic counseling as appropriate.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • Persistent high ferritin on blood tests
  • Unexplained fatigue, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, or skin changes
  • Family history of hereditary hemochromatosis or other iron disorders
  • Before starting or stopping iron supplements or making major diet changes aimed at altering iron intake

Important notes and disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This information is not medical advice. Genetic results are one piece of your health picture and should be interpreted together with clinical evaluation, blood tests, and family history. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or treatments, or before interpreting and acting on genetic or laboratory results.