What Is Hemochromatosis Causes Symptoms and Treatment Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Liver Disease What Is Hemochromatosis Causes Symptoms and Treatment By Becky UphamMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD Reviewed: December 5, 2018 Medically Reviewed The disease causes iron to accumulate in various organs of the body, including the liver. In hemochromatosis, the body absorbs too much iron and stores it in various organs, including the liver.Shutterstock Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes your body to absorb more iron than it should, a condition called iron overload. It affects about 1 million people in the United States, making it one of the most common genetic diseases in the country. ( Iron is absorbed into the body via the food you eat and any supplements containing iron you take. Healthy people absorb about 10 percent of the iron they consume, whereas people with hemochromatosis can absorb up to 3 times that much. Over time, this can mean that they retain between 5 and 20 times more iron than the body needs. ( Hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by a defect in the gene HFE, which triggers the body to absorb more iron than it needs, says Romero-Marrero. There are two common mutations of HFE: C28Y and H63D. If someone inherits C28Y from both parents, they are at risk for iron overload and developing hemochromatosis. Inheriting H63D from both parents is less likely to cause iron overload. If a person inherits a mutation from only one parent, they will be a carrier for the disease. Although they’ll typically absorb more iron than the average person, they don’t usually develop hemochromatosis. It’s estimated that 10 percent of the U.S. population carries the gene mutation. (3)Two rare forms of hemochromatosis, neonatal hemochromatosis and juvenile hemochromatosis, are caused by different gene mutations. ( More on Complications of Hemochromatosis What Could Be Causing Low T?If hemochromatosis goes untreated, it can damage various parts of the body. Excess iron buildup happens not only in the liver but also in the heart, pancreas, joints, and NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Hereditary Hemochromatosis. Show Less The Latest in Liver Disease What Is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and a large waistline all put you at risk of this common liver disease.By Becky UphamOctober 4, 2022 Early Research Reveals Key Player in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease A 2-part study mostly done in mice revealed that B vitamins may play a role in slowing the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.By Kaitlin SullivanSeptember 23, 2022 What Is Primary Biliary Cholangitis? The rare, progressive liver disorder mostly affects women and usually appears during middle age.By Joseph Bennington-CastroJuly 21, 2022 What Is Alcohol-Related Liver Disease? ARLD is a spectrum of disease that ranges from benign, with no symptoms, to life-threatening.By Becky UphamJuly 20, 2022 What Is Cirrhosis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Numerous liver diseases can lead to this advanced stage of liver damage.By Becky UphamSeptember 29, 2020 Guide to Liver Disease: Fatty Liver, Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, and MoreBy Becky UphamDecember 18, 2018 Liver Disease ResourcesBy Becky UphamDecember 10, 2018 Study Shows Depression Affects IBD Patients and Their Siblings New research is the first to show a bidirectional link between inflammatory bowel disease and depression.By Ashley WelchOctober 6, 2022 Gut Check: Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut? It’s not just the raw eggs that can make you sick.By Kaitlin SullivanOctober 4, 2022 Questions You Should Ask Your GI When You're Diagnosed With Crohn'sBy Natalie (Sparacio) HaydenSeptember 22, 2022 See All MORE IN The Connection Between Ulcerative Colitis and Anemia 8 Tips to Manage Fatigue if You Have Ulcerative Colitis What Is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges