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Hemochromatosis is an inherited disease in which too much iron builds up in your body. It is one of the most common genetic diseases in the United States.
Iron is a mineral found in many foods. Your body normally absorbs about 10 percent of the iron in the food you eat. If you have hemochromatosis, you absorb more iron than you need. Your body has no natural way to get rid of the extra iron. It stores it in body tissues, especially the liver, heart and pancreas. The extra iron can damage your organs. Without treatment, it can cause your organs to fail.
The most common treatment is to remove some blood, just like when you donate blood. This is called therapeutic phlebotomy. Medicines may also help remove the extra iron. Your doctor might suggest some changes in your diet.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Iron Disorders Institute - Provides information about disorders of iron such as hemochromatosis, acquired iron overload , juvenile hemochromatosis , African siderosis , thalassemia , porphyria cutanea tarda , sideroblastic anemia, iron-deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease.
Hemochromatosis Education and Research - Provides education, information and resources for health care providers, patients, and relatives of people with hereditary hemochromatosis.
Iron Overload Diseases Association - Information on hemochromatosis. Covered are the accepted protocols for diagnosis, treatment, maintenance and diet.
Iron Overload: Hemosiderosis; Hemochromatosis - Merck Manual looks at this disorder, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Iron Overload, Public Health and Genetics - A supplement to the Annals of Internal Medicine with articles about hemochromatosis.
Links on Hemochromatosis - A collection of links to sites, including scientific articles, related to the genetic iron overload disease.
Iron Disorders Institute - Non-profit National Voluntary Health Agency that provides information about disorders of iron such as hemochromatosis.
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society - Information about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hemochromatosis.
American Hemochromatosis Society - This organisation provides information and educates the public about hemochromatosis. They publish a newsletter and have an online support group.
CDC: Iron Overload and Hemochromatosis - The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide reviewed information on hemochromatosis, including screening, information for patients, FAQ and resources.