What is hemochromatosis?

Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. The excess iron builds up in the body's organs over time and eventually leads to organ damage. If hemochromatosis is not detected and treated early, it may eventually cause serious disorders such as liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis later in life.

Iron, too much or too little?

Iron is an essential nutrient that is found in many foods. Iron is found in highest levels in red meat, iron-fortified breads, and cereals. Our body requires iron to make hemoglobin, a component of blood that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all of the tissues of the body.

While too little iron can lead to anemia, too much iron can cause irreversible organ damage, eventually leading to diseases and early death.

Normally, people absorb approximately 10% of the iron contained in the food that they eat. However, people with hemochromatosis absorb approximately 30% of the iron. Since the body cannot excrete excess iron, the extra iron is absorbed and retained in the organs of their body during their lifetime, particularly the liver, heart and pancreas, causing a number of serious diseases later in life.