HFE Gene: What It Is, How It Affects Iron, and Why It Matters for Your Health

When your body absorbs too much iron, it doesn’t know how to stop. That’s often because of a problem with the HFE gene, a gene that helps regulate how much iron your intestines absorb from food. Also known as the hemochromatosis gene, it’s the most common genetic cause of iron overload in people of Northern European descent. If you have two faulty copies — one from each parent — your body might absorb up to three times more iron than it needs. Over time, that extra iron builds up in your liver, heart, pancreas, and joints, causing damage you might not notice until it’s serious.

This isn’t just about being tired or having joint pain. The HFE gene mutation, specifically the C282Y and H63D variants is linked to hereditary hemochromatosis, a condition where excess iron causes organ damage. Many people live for years without symptoms, but when they do show up — fatigue, dark skin, abdominal pain, or even diabetes — it’s often too late. That’s why blood tests like ferritin levels, a marker of stored iron in your body and transferrin saturation are critical. If your ferritin is high and you have family members with liver disease or heart problems, testing for HFE mutations makes sense.

It’s not just about diagnosis. Knowing your HFE status changes how you manage your health. If you carry the mutation, simple treatments like regular blood draws can prevent long-term damage. You’ll also need to avoid iron supplements, vitamin C with meals (it boosts iron absorption), and raw shellfish (risk of infection when iron is high). The good news? Most people with HFE mutations never develop symptoms if caught early. And if you’ve been told your iron is "a little high" but no one explained why, this could be the missing piece.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that connect directly to this issue — from how to interpret your blood work, to what medications can make iron overload worse, to how genetic testing works in practice. No fluff. Just what you need to understand your body, protect your organs, and talk to your doctor with confidence.