Haemochromatosis is a condition which affects about 1 in 250 Australians. It is an inherited condition which causes the body to absorb too much iron. Usually when we eat food containing iron, our body absorbs only enough for its needs and the excess is passed through the system.

People with haemochromatosis don't excrete iron properly, and they continue to absorb iron from food, even though their body has had enough. If untreated, over the years this build up of iron can lead to the damage of many organs, including the liver and heart. Luckily, with early treatment, such damage is completely preventable.