Hemochromatosis and iron metabolism has been Dr. Distante’s topic of research since gene mutations responsible for this condition were discovered in 1996. Her doctoral thesis focused on the prevalence of these mutations in Norway and on factors regulating their phenotypical expression. Her collaborative studies on the evolution and origin of the mutations, have suggested that they are thousands of years old and that Vikings might have contributed to their spread along the European coastal areas, where the mutations are highest in prevalence. Hemochromatosis and iron metabolism has been Dr. Distante’s topic of research since gene mutations responsible for this condition were discovered in 1996. Dr. Distante’s current work with Haemochomatosis International has led to international guidelines for diagnosis and treatment and a consensus study on screening of hemochromatosis.