Interesting Facts about Hereditary Hemochromatosis
-Some famous people you may know whose lives were taken from this disease include Steve McQueen (The Great Escape) and John Steinbeck IV (son of the famous author) (1)
-1 in 9 Americans carry the defective gene for this condition, and 1 in 300 Americans is affected with the condition. Men and women are equally affected, although signs appear later in women.
-The liver is the first organ to store excess iron, after which it accumulates in the heart, pituitary gland, and elsewhere in the body. (2)
1. "Even Celebrities Are Not Immune To Iron Overload — Speculation and Proof." Even Celebrities Are Not Immune To Iron Overload — Speculation and Proof. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2013. <http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/even-celebrities-are-not-immune-to/>.
2. "Hemochromatosis." - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=270>.
2. "Hemochromatosis." - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=270>.