Haemochromatosis is a genetic condition which causes the body to accumulate excess iron. Iron is vital to the efficient functioning of the body but excess iron can damage vital organs.
Early symptoms of iron overload such as fatigue (in 70%), joint pain (40%) and abdominal pain (40%) are non-specific and are commonly not recognised as associated with Haemochromatosis.
Detection is through monitoring of iron levels in the blood. Treatment is regular blood donations.
