There is a one in four chance of this happening when both parents are carriers of the abnormal gene. If someone only inherits one abnormal gene then they will not develop the symptoms of the disease, they will be a carrier, and may pass the gene on when they have children. The abnormal gene causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. Only so much iron is needed and can be made use of, any excess is then deposited around the body. This excess iron accumulates in the heart, liver, and pancreas, damaging these vital body organs and resulting in a deterioration of their functional capacity.
Men are more likely to be affected by the symptoms of haemochromatosis.
Not because of genetic susceptibility, but because women regularly lose iron each month through menstruation. So even when an excess amount of iron is absorbed, less iron is available to be deposited in the body organs. Although haemochromatosis and the potential for the condition to cause problems is present from birth, it's usually not until the years of middle age that symptoms become apparent. Generally speaking those affected are over the age of forty when they start feeling weak, tired, and lacking in energy. The joints may become painful and stiff, particularly those of the hands and fingers.