Hereditary Hemochromatosis: What is it?

Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to take in and hold too much iron. Iron is a trace mineral that plays an essential role in the body. Every red blood cell contains and stores iron in the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the pigment that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. The human body usually absorbs about 10% of the iron in the food eaten each day. People with Hemochromatosis take in twice the amount of iron than the average person.

Once the iron is in the body, excess iron does not leave as it should. The iron is stored in the synovium and other essential organs such as the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, and lungs. Over the years, the iron level reaches toxic levels that can damage or destroy an organ. A huge amount of iron in the blood can amount to many health problems such as a form of diabetes. For this reason, Hereditary Hemochromatosis is often called “Bronze Diabetes.”