Prevalence of the Hemochromatosis Gene

Abstract

To the Editor: The letter by Dr. Motulsky in the December 6 issue raises a fascinating question in seeking to explain the high gene frequency of hemochromatosis in terms of Darwinian selection. He suggests that heterozygotes, who may absorb more dietary iron, are protected from the deleterious effects of iron deficiency. He also draws attention to the need for a test that would "reflect the putative qualitative defect in iron absorption."I would like to develop his argument. It is clear that notwithstanding the natural abundance of iron, the bioavailability of this mineral is severely limited by the nature of . . .