Haemachromatosis

 (Iron overload)

Many people in their 30s and 40s complain of lack of energy and tiredness and feel that they must be “low in iron”. In fact, often the reason for these symptoms may be exact opposite – an excess of body iron due to a condition called haemochromatosis.

High incidence in Ireland

Irish people have the highest incidence of haemochromatosis in the world and up to 1% of the population are at risk of developing the disease. In normal circumstances, our bodies tightly control the absorption of iron from our diet and only take on board as much iron as our metabolism requires. The body has no mechanism to get rid of excess iron. A small quantity of iron is essential for growth and development and to manufacture new red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Organ damage

As a result of a genetic abnormality, someone with haemochromatosis absorbs iron freely and the excess iron is stored in the tissues, particularly the pancreas, heart, and liver. Over time these organs are damaged by the iron overload and the individual may begin to experience symptoms of tiredness, ache in the joints, tummy pain and, perhaps, impotence. Untreated, and aftermany years, the person may develop signs of diabetes, heart andliver disease.

Doctors have only become fully aware of this condition in the past ten years. Theearly symptoms of haemochromatosis are quite vague, and may be attributed to other medical conditions. Women tend to present later in life as they lose blood (and therefore iron) with menstruationand childbirth. In the past many people have died mysteriously in middle age from heart failure or liver disease caused by haemochromatosis. There is no reason for this to happen nowadays.

Diagnois and Treatment

The diagnosis of haemochromatosis is made by a simple blood test. The really good news is that the condition is very easily treated – from time to time the doctor simply and easily removes a pint of blood (called phlebotomy, just like when a donor gives a pint of blood to the Blood Bank). The body quickly manufactures new red cells to replace this blood, and in so doing removes some iron from the tissue stores.

So, who should be tested?

Well, any adult with unexplained fatigue, listlessness, joint pains or abdominal pains should discuss a test with their doctor. Relatives of someone with confirmed haemochromatosis are at an increased risk – for example brothers and sisters have a 1-in-4 chance of having the condition. Early diagnosis reduces the risk of organ damage. People with haeomochomatosis will generally require to visit their doctor three or four times a year for phlebotomy, and apart from this inconvenience can expect to live a normal, and healthy life into old age.