Hemochromatosis

[funsearcher!]

Have any of you heard of this? Iron overload--one million people have this inherited disorder where they absorb 4 times the regular amount of iron.

 

[Llynn]

According to 23andme:

"You may have a slightly increased risk of developing iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis based on your genetic result."​

I've never experienced any symptoms though.

 

[funsearcher!]

There apparently aren't any symptoms but it contributes to diabetes, liver damage and heart problems. Need to be tested for iron Mine is 4 times more than normal range.

 

[funsearcher!]

And apparently they don't test for iron along with the usual blood work, it is a separate test.
People of Celtic and Northern European ancestry commonly have the gene mutation, the most common one in the US. 1 in 10 are carriers and 1 in 250 are absorbing too much iron their whole lives. It was news to me!!

 

[Tish]

I have never heard of it, I a the opposite I lack Iron.

 

[Llynn]

I have both of the variants that 2andme tested for.

Typical signs and symptoms of iron overload​

• Joint and abdominal pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Darkening of the skin
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

Guess I need to talk with my doc about this.

 

[officerripley]

A co-worker's huzz had it and later died of cardiac arrest.