January, 2002

Iron Overload

Those of Celtic heritage may do well to have a visit with their local doctor if they exhibit such symptoms as chronic fatigue, loss of libido, impotence and early onset of menopause, arthritis, cirrhosis or other liver problems.

The cause of such symptoms may well be an "iron overload" or hereditary hemochromatosis (H.H.), which can be detected with a blood test for serum iron and serum ferriten. A further DNA test may be indicated. These tests can rule-out or confirm the initial diagnosis.

The disease (H.H) appears to be endemic to the peoples of Celtic ancestry of which 1 in 8 (in the U.S.) have the single mutation for H.H. which makes them carriers and 1 in 200 have the double mutation which often results in clinical iron overload and is potentially fatal unless properly diagnosed and treated.

This "Celtic Curse" is not limited to men and women but to children as well. With a high concentration of folk of Celtic origin in our greater community it may well be advisable to check with your local doctor should any of the above symptoms be exhibited by a family member.

In our own family we have one confirmed diagnoses and the family member is responding well to treatment. We are all (26 of us) in the process of being tested and evaluated.

For more information you may contact the American Hemochromatosis Society at 1-888-655-4766 or their web page at: www.americanhs.org


- Bob Murphy