Further analysis of porphyrin levels in MEL cells overexpressing non-functional variants of human FECH will provide insight into the role of Fech in porphyrin precursor synthesis and/or export and in Zn-protoporphyrin production, a compound relevant in several disease states including lead poisoning, iron deficiency anemia and X-linked protoporphyria. This evidence concerns the gene FECH and Iron deficiency anemia.