What is hereditary hemochromatosis?

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic disease that alters the body's ability to regulate iron absorption. If correctly diagnosed, HH is easily and effectively treated, but if untreated, it can lead to severe organ damage. Caucasians of northern European descent are at highest risk. An estimated one million people in the United States have hereditary hemochromatosis.

HH causes the body to absorb too much iron. Normally humans extract needed iron from food via the intestines. When there is an adequate amount of iron, the body reduces its absorption to avoid excessive accumulations. In a person with HH, the mechanism for regulating iron absorption is faulty and the body absorbs too much iron.