Discover how your body processes essential minerals like zinc and iron through your DNA

Zinc and iron are two essential trace elements that the body requires in small but consistent amounts for optimal functioning. From supporting your immune system to enabling oxygen transport and maintaining cognitive health, these minerals are involved in nearly every biological process.

Yet not everyone absorbs or utilises zinc and iron in the same way. Your genetics can influence how efficiently your body handles these minerals — and in turn, affect your risk for conditions like anaemia, brain fog, fatigue, or even neurodegeneration.

The Zinc-Iron Gene DNA Test analyses key genetic markers that affect how your body absorbs, transports, and regulates zinc and iron. With this insight, you’ll gain a better understanding of your personal nutritional needs and can make informed decisions about your diet, lifestyle, and supplementation strategy.

Why are zinc and iron so important for your health?

Both zinc and iron are classified as essential micronutrients, which means your body can’t produce them — you must obtain them through food or supplements. Despite being needed only in small quantities, these minerals have an outsized impact on everything from your energy levels to brain performance.

Zinc supports hundreds of biological processes, including immune defence, DNA synthesis, and wound healing. It’s also crucial for proper neurological function, as it plays a role in memory formation and communication between brain cells. Zinc deficiency has been associated with impaired cognitive function, mood disorders, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Iron, on the other hand, is essential for oxygen transport. It forms part of haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, cells don’t receive adequate oxygen, leading to symptoms like chronic fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.

An imbalance in either mineral — whether due to poor intake, health conditions, or genetic predisposition — can have a serious impact on your overall wellbeing.

What does the Zinc-Iron Gene Check Test analyse?

This DNA test evaluates two genes involved in mineral metabolism:

 

  • SLC30A3, involved in zinc transport and homeostasis
  • TMPRSS6, a key regulator of iron levels via the hormone hepcidin

Variations in these genes can affect your body’s ability to manage zinc and iron levels efficiently. These genetic markers have been studied in relation to cognitive health, anaemia risk, and even mood disorders. By understanding your genetic profile, you’ll be able to:

 

  • Identify predispositions to zinc or iron deficiency
  • Understand whether your body has trouble regulating these minerals
  • Receive guidance tailored to your DNA on how to optimise your intake

Gene spotlight: SLC30A3 and your brain’s zinc balance

The SLC30A3 gene encodes a protein known as ZnT3, which is responsible for transporting zinc into synaptic vesicles in the brain. These vesicles play a key role in neuron-to-neuron communication and memory processing.

People with a specific variant of the SLC30A3 gene may have reduced ZnT3 function, which can impair zinc transport to critical areas in the brain. This has been linked to:

 

  • Increased oxidative stress
  • Impaired memory and cognitive decline
  • Greater vulnerability to neurodegenerative disorders

While more research is ongoing, having an unfavourable version of this gene could suggest a need to monitor zinc intake more closely, especially if you experience memory issues or neurological symptoms.

Gene spotlight: TMPRSS6 and iron metabolism

The TMPRSS6 gene plays a central role in regulating levels of hepcidin, the hormone that controls how much iron your body absorbs from food and how it is stored.

Variants in this gene can lead to imbalances in iron metabolism. For example:

 

  • Some people may produce too little hepcidin, resulting in excessive iron absorption and potential iron overload.
  • Others may produce too much hepcidin, reducing iron uptake and increasing the risk of iron deficiency anaemia.

Iron imbalances often go unnoticed until symptoms become serious. This genetic insight can help you take proactive steps — such as modifying your diet, scheduling regular blood tests, or discussing supplementation with your doctor.

What can you learn from the Zinc-Iron Gene Check Test results?

After analysing your DNA, your personalised report will reveal:

 

  • Whether you have favourable, intermediate, or unfavourable variants for zinc and iron metabolism
  • How these variants might impact your cognitive function, energy levels, or risk for anaemia
  • Practical, science-based recommendations tailored to your genetic profile

You’ll also receive guidance on how to adjust your diet, which nutrients to monitor more closely, and whether lifestyle changes or supplementation may benefit you.

For example, if your report shows:

 

  • A variant in SLC30A3, you may be advised to increase zinc-rich foods (such as shellfish, red meat, and seeds) or take supplements under supervision — especially if you’re experiencing mental fatigue or memory lapses.
  • A variant in TMPRSS6, your healthcare provider might suggest regular iron-level checks or modifying your iron intake depending on your current ferritin and hepcidin levels.

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Who is the Zinc-Iron Gene Check Test for?

This test is ideal for anyone who:

 

  • Struggles with low energy, brain fog, or frequent infections
  • Has a family history of anaemia or iron overload
  • Wants to better understand their personal nutrient needs
  • Is seeking personalised nutrition based on their DNA
  • Is planning a pregnancy (zinc and iron are critical in prenatal development)
  • Already supplements with zinc or iron and wants to know if it’s necessary

Even if you currently feel well, discovering a hidden predisposition could help you prevent future deficiencies or chronic issues.

How does the Zinc-Iron Gene Check Test work?

Taking the test is simple and non-invasive:

 

  1. Order your kit online
  2. Collect a saliva sample at home using a painless cheek swab
  3. Send your sample to our certified lab
  4. Receive your results in a detailed digital report within a few weeks

Your report includes your genetic results, interpretation, and clear guidance on next steps — all in plain language you can understand.

Optimise your health with personalised insights

Your body’s ability to absorb and regulate minerals like zinc and iron is partly written in your DNA. With the Zinc-Iron Gene DNA Test, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about your genetic blueprint and how it influences two of the most critical nutrients for your brain, energy, and immune system.

No more guesswork or generic advice — just precise, personalised information to help you take charge of your long-term health.

Order your Zinc-Iron Gene DNA Test today …and discover how your genes influence your mineral health — so you can fuel your body the smart way.

Other Options Beyond the Zinc-Iron Gene Check Test

Want to gain deeper insights into how your body works? Alongside the Zinc-Iron Gene Check Test, we provide a variety of Health DNA tests that reveal important information about other vital aspects of your health..

Explore the Skin DNA Test, or learn how your body breaks down nutrients and compounds with our Vitamin D Test.

For a comprehensive understanding of how your genetics influence your overall health, the DNA Methylation Test examines factors linked to ageing, detoxification, and disease susceptibility. All tests are simple to complete at home and deliver personalised, scientifically validated results..

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