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What Causes Hemochromatosis?
The two types of hemochromatosis are primary and secondary. Each type has a different cause.
Primary Hemochromatosis
Primary hemochromatosis is caused by a defect in the genes that control how much iron you absorb from food. This form of the disease sometimes is called hereditary or classical hemochromatosis. Primary hemochromatosis is more common than the secondary form of the disease.
The genes usually involved in primary hemochromatosis are called HFE genes. Faulty HFE genes cause the body to absorb too much iron. If you inherit two copies of the faulty HFE gene (one from each parent), you're at risk for iron overload and signs and symptoms of hemochromatosis.
If you inherit one faulty HFE gene and one normal HFE gene, you're a hemochromatosis "carrier." Carriers usually don't develop the disease. However, they can pass the faulty gene on to their children. Estimates suggest that about
If two parents are carriers of the faulty HFE gene, then each of their children has a
Although less common, other faulty genes also can cause hemochromatosis. Researchers continue to study what changes to normal genes may cause the disease.
Secondary Hemochromatosis
Secondary hemochromatosis usually is the result of another disease or condition that causes iron overload. Examples of such diseases and conditions include:
- Certain types of anemia, such as thalassemias and sideroblastic anemia
- Atransferrinemia and aceruloplasminemia—both are rare, inherited diseases
- Chronic liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis C infection, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Other factors also can cause secondary hemochromatosis, including:
- Blood transfusions
- Oral iron pills or iron injections, with or without very high vitamin C intake (vitamin C helps your body absorb iron)
- Long-term kidney dialysis
Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans. To find clinical trials that are currently underway for Hemochromatosis, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
The NHLBI updates Health Topics articles on a biennial cycle based on a thorough review of research findings and new literature. The articles also are updated as needed if important new research is published. The date on each Health Topics article reflects when the content was originally posted or last revised.
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