Who is affected by hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in white people, especially those of Northern European descent. Hemochromatosis occurs in 3 to 5 per 1,000 white people.1

Men are 5 to 10 times more likely than women to develop hemochromatosis.2 The blood lost through menstruation and pregnancy may reduce the amount of iron stored in the body and cause delayed development of hemochromatosis symptoms in women.


Author: Debby Golonka, MPHLast Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology

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