When the ALD subgroup with anaemia was examined, a significant increase in DMT1, FPN1 and TFR1 mRNA levels was observed compared with controls (3.50-fold, P = 0.0018, 1.93-fold, P = 0.0115 and 2.84-fold, P = 0.0075, respectively). This evidence concerns the gene SLC40A1 and anemia (phenotype).