Hemachromatosis refers to a medical condition wherein the body absorbs too much iron from food. Some experts refer to this condition as iron overload because of the unhealthy levels of iron that is accumulated by the body through various organs including the heart and liver for example. Iron is one of many essential minerals that the body needs for various functions but when it is being absorbed at a rate that is higher than normal, the body could go into a state of iron overload with affectation to important organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas. With these important organs affected, some people with hemachromatosis will have severe symptoms and may even die from the disease.

Most cases of hemachromatosis are said to be genetic. This simply means that the condition is inherited and that the cause of iron overload is derived from gene mutations that result to the body’s inability to check its iron levels. Some hemachromatosis may also come as a result of other medical conditions and these include arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease among many others. For people who are diagnosed with hemachromatosis, some may have symptoms like chronic pain in the joints and abdominal area. It is also common for patients to experience body weakness and fatigue. For severe cases, the heart, liver, and gonads may also be affected by the disease.

With the worry surrounding iron overload or hemachromatosis, many doctors suggest that people get tested and diagnosed early if they think they have iron absorption problems. Some people with hemachromatosis may not have symptoms early in life but the accumulated iron may become evident at a later stage in life. If there are concerns or early signs of iron overload, food intake should be strictly monitored along with caution for alcohol and Vitamin C intake. Diagnosis of hemachromatosis is through blood tests and treatment is through a procedure called phlebotomy which involves removal of blood from the patient’s body.