Survival of the sickest Chapter 1 - Ironing it all out

This chapter deals with a disorder known as hemochromatosis.  Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to think that it constantly needs iron therefore people with it are in essence "rusting" to death.  The gene that causes this is very common among those of Western European descent..... Let's look at why. This brings us back all the way to the bubonic plague.....  NORMALLY, more iron in the blood = bacterial buffet!!  Almost all living organisms THRIVE in an iron rich environment.  Those with Hemochromatosis, though, have certain cells that actually lock out iron in them.... macrophages found in their immune system.  These immune cells are the very cells that attack the bacteria that causes the Plague and in effect starves the bacteria to death.  This disorder was also thought to be an advantage to Vikings.  Since the primary treatment for hemochromatosis is "blood letting" to rid the body of extra iron, the Vikings with this disorder would benefit from being stabbed on a regular basis.   They would think of it as well... a treatment of sorts!