What is Haemochromatosis?
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Haemochromatosis (or ‘iron overload’) is an inherited disorder which causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. The excess iron gradually accumulates, usually in the liver, pancreas, joints, heart or endocrine glands.
Ireland has the highest rates of haemochromatosis in the world, where approximately 1 in 83 people are at risk of developing haemochromatosis and 1 in 5 are carrriers of the gene.
Iron builds up slowly so symptoms may not appear until age 30 or 40. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to chronic fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, diabetes
The treatment of choice and the most effective strategy for the management of Haemochromatosis is Venesection (Phlebotomy), which means the removal of blood
An iron panel blood test can confirm or rule out iron overload. If both serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TS) levels are raised, then a genetic test should be carried out
Links to patient information guides, diet and haemochromatosis, research and managing haemochromatosis for patients, GPs and nursing professionals
Get in touch via our helpline or email on our contact us page, our team is always ready to advise and support
We welcome all donations, which will help patients and their families and provide vital information and support services
Our members and supporters give us a collective voice to help promote awareness of haemochromatosis in Ireland and internationally. We are passionate about promoting early awareness of haemochromatosis.
You can keep up-to-date with our work and our news and events, by signing up for membership of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association or by making a donation to help us advocate for people and families with haemochromatosis.
Our AGM takes place this year on Saturday 24th May 2025. There will be an option to attend in-person at the IBTS building in St. James’s Hospital, James Street, Dublin or online via webinar. Teas and coffees will be available from 10.30am and the business of the AGM will start at 11am.
Join us and Dr. Michelle Murphy, a Psychotherapist and lecturer in health and social care specialist and therapist. Her research has contributed to developing community and mental health services. Michelle offers practical, evidence-based brain health tips for everyday life.
New GP venesection nurse training and education progamme for GP Practice Nurses in Ireland. As part of our funding from the Hospital Saturday Fund, we partnered with the Education and Training Programme team in Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal to develop a competency-based curriculum to manage venesection treatment for patients.
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