Hemochromatosis

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.

Your body normally absorbs about 10 percent of the iron in the food you eat. If your body absorbs more iron than what you need, it has no way to get rid of the extra iron. Iron stores in body tissues, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which can cause them damage or even to fail.

The most common treatment is the removal of blood, called therapeutic phlebotomy. Medicines may also help remove the extra iron and dietary changes may be necessary.