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HFE Gene and Male Fertility: What Your rs1800562 Genotype Means

Infertility affects many men and can result from multiple causes, including genetic factors. One important gene is HFE, which helps control how much iron your body absorbs. Variations at rs1800562 in the HFE gene can change iron regulation. Too much iron can accumulate over time and damage tissues sensitive to oxidative stress, including sperm and hormone-producing glands. The information below explains how different rs1800562 genotypes relate to iron overload risk and practical steps you can consider to protect reproductive health.

How excess iron can affect male reproductive health

  • Iron overload can generate oxidative stress that harms sperm DNA and reduces sperm motility.
  • High iron levels can impair the function of the pituitary and testes, disrupting hormone balance and sperm production.
  • Symptoms of clinically significant iron overload may be subtle early on and increase with age.

General lifestyle and dietary approaches to support fertility when iron is a concern

  • Avoid taking iron supplements unless a clinician has confirmed a deficiency.
  • Limit intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat and organ meats; choose lean proteins like poultry, fish, beans, and tofu more often.
  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods daily: berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, colorful vegetables, and whole fruits to help protect sperm from oxidative damage.
  • Drink tea with meals and include dairy at mealtimes when consuming higher iron foods; tannins in tea and calcium in dairy can reduce iron absorption.
  • Avoid pairing vitamin C supplements or large amounts of citrus with high-iron meals because vitamin C increases iron absorption.
  • Consider regular monitoring of iron status with blood tests such as serum ferritin and transferrin saturation, especially if you carry an effect allele.
  • Discuss options like therapeutic blood donation or phlebotomy with your clinician if iron levels are elevated.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid exposure to environmental toxins, smoking, and recreational drugs, all of which can worsen oxidative stress and harm sperm quality.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active; obesity and metabolic dysfunction can compound fertility risks.

Genetic Interpretations for rs1800562

2 effect alleles (AA) — Increased risk of iron overload

You have the AA genotype for rs1800562, carrying two copies of the effect allele associated with higher risk for hereditary hemochromatosis. This genotype significantly increases the tendency to absorb excess dietary iron over time. Accumulated iron can damage sperm DNA, reduce sperm count and motility, and interfere with hormone signaling in the pituitary and testes.

What to consider

  • Avoid iron supplements unless a healthcare provider documents iron deficiency.
  • Limit red meat and organ meats. Choose poultry, fish, beans, legumes, and plant-based proteins more often.
  • Include antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and colorful vegetables daily.
  • Drink tea with meals and include dairy at mealtimes to reduce iron absorption.
  • Avoid taking vitamin C supplements with high-iron meals.
  • Get periodic iron testing: serum ferritin and transferrin saturation at intervals recommended by your clinician.
  • Discuss blood donation or therapeutic phlebotomy with your doctor if ferritin is elevated.
  • Limit alcohol, avoid tobacco and recreational drugs, and reduce exposure to environmental toxins to reduce oxidative stress.
  • Maintain regular exercise and a healthy weight to support hormone balance and sperm quality.

Because AA is associated with clinically meaningful iron overload risk, proactive monitoring and medical follow up are especially important to protect long term reproductive health.

1 effect allele (AG) — Mild to moderate increased risk

You have the AG genotype for rs1800562, carrying one copy of the effect allele. This configuration can lead to mild to moderate increased iron absorption in some people. Iron may build gradually with age and potentially contribute to oxidative stress that affects sperm DNA, count, and hormone regulation.

What to consider

  • Avoid unnecessary iron supplements and be mindful of fortified foods that add iron.
  • Limit red and organ meats; prefer lean meats, fish, legumes, and plant-based proteins.
  • Emphasize antioxidants in your diet: berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and colorful vegetables.
  • Drinking tea with meals and eating dairy at mealtime can reduce iron absorption.
  • Avoid pairing high-iron meals with vitamin C supplements or large amounts of citrus.
  • Consider annual or periodic ferritin and transferrin saturation testing to track trends.
  • Discuss blood donation as a risk management option with your healthcare provider if iron trends upward.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid exposures that increase oxidative stress to preserve sperm health.
  • Maintain healthy sleep patterns, reduce chronic stress, and stay physically active to support hormonal balance.

With one effect allele, early awareness and routine monitoring are useful strategies to prevent iron from accumulating to levels that could affect fertility.

0 effect alleles (GG) — Typical iron regulation

You have the GG genotype for rs1800562, the most common configuration. This genotype is associated with normal HFE function and typical iron absorption. Based on this variant alone, excess iron-related risk for fertility problems is unlikely.

What to consider

  • No specialized low-iron diet is needed because of this genotype alone.
  • Follow general fertility-supporting habits: a balanced diet, antioxidants, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol.
  • If you have symptoms, family history of hemochromatosis, or abnormal iron tests, speak with your clinician for further evaluation.

Even with normal HFE genetics, maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports the best possible reproductive outcomes.

Practical testing and follow up

  • Consider baseline tests: serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. If values are elevated, repeat testing and clinical evaluation are important.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to interpret iron studies in the context of symptoms, other lab values, and family history.
  • If fertility is a current concern, a comprehensive fertility evaluation including semen analysis and relevant hormone testing can help identify treatable causes.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and how genes may influence health and wellness. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified clinician before making medical or treatment decisions based on genetic information.