DefinitionHemochromatosis is a disorder that results in too much iron being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsHemochromatosis occurs when too much iron builds up in the body.There are two forms of hemochromatosis: primary and secondary.Primary hemochromatosis is usually caused by a specific genetic problem that causes too much iron to be absorbed. When people with this condition have too much iron in their diet, the extra iron is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and builds up in the body tissues, particularly the liver. The result is liver swelling. Primary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 1 of every 200 to 300 Americans.Secondary or acquired hemochromatosis can be caused by dise