Volume 1, Number 2
Hemochromatosis Awareness Month - May, 2008
Hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder affecting Canadians today. Caused by a defect of iron metabolism, those affected may retain excess iron in vital organs, joints and tissues. This has serious health consequences for those affected.
During the month of May, I encourage Canadians to learn about this little-known genetic disorder. The goal this year is to identify 1,000 at-risk families. One in every 300 Canadians is at risk for Hemochromatosis and one in nine in the general population are carriers of one of the gene mutations.
Iron is essential to maintain human health. It carries oxygen to cells. A deficiency in iron can result in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity. On the other hand, excess amounts of iron can result in toxicity and even death.
Some symptoms of Hemochromatosis are chronic fatigue, joint pain and arthritis, bronzing or greying of the skin, loss of libido, thyroid problems, elevated glucose and triglyceride levels, enlarged liver and cirrhosis and irregular heartbeat. Complications caused by iron storage can include diabetes mellitus, hepatic dysfunction, arthritis, skin pigmentation changes and congestive heart failure.
Hemochromatosis is the only inheritable disorder in which all the complications are preventable by early diagnosis and treatment. A simple blood test by your health professional can be ordered to diagnose this disorder and effective treatment is also readily available.
Hemochromatosis can also be acquired by patients affected by other chronic diseases who routinely receive repeated blood transfusions, as this can lead to an overload of iron. However, Canada is one of the few nations with a federally coordinated blood transfusion surveillance program and is recognized internationally as a leader in hemo-vigilance.
I would like to thank the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society for creating awareness about this little-known, but common disorder, and for providing information and support to those adversely affected by iron overload.
Tony Clement
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
May 31, 2008
I seem to have a problem that is opposite to hemochromatosis, i.e., my body does not want to store sufficient iron. I have had all the tests to see if I am losing blood or iron in some way and these have all come up negative. And my diet seems to be appropriate for an adequate amount of iron intake, leading to the conclusion that my body just does not store properly the iron that it gets.
So my question is, does this opposite situation relate in any way to hemochromatosis? All suggestions gratefully received!
August 28, 2008
No need to worry i have the same problem, i have a good diet and i only have 7% iron in me the minimum your suposed to have is 15% there is a name for it but i couldent tell you what it was called, i was told it about a year ago. Your body can store the iorn for up to two years. You can go to your local pharmacy to the back counter and ask for iron pills