was tun bei eisenmangel — can a DNA test help?

DNA tests have limited utility for iron deficiency. Standard diagnosis relies on blood markers like ferritin, hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and soluble transferrin receptor. Genetic variants in genes such as TMPRSS6 (e.g., rs855791) influence iron regulation, but effect sizes are small and insufficient for diagnosis. Consumer DNA tests like MyBody-X typically do not include these variants or provide only weak hints. Evidence for the benefit of DNA testing in iron deficiency is unclear – no randomized trials show that genetically guided recommendations (e.g., more red meat or iron supplements) outperform standard care. Moreover, indiscriminate supplementation without medical workup can be harmful (e.g., iron overload in hemochromatosis). Bottom line: If you suspect iron deficiency, a blood test from your doctor is the first step. A DNA test may offer complementary insight but does not replace clinical diagnostics. Based on current knowledge, MyBody-X tests do not include clinically validated iron-deficiency markers.