Essay from 2005 in the field of nutritional science / dietetics, language: German, abstract: Hemochromatosis is a rare disorder of iron metabolism. It leads to pathological deposits of iron in the liver and other organs. In Germany alone, an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 people suffer from hemochromatosis. Thus, the so-called iron overload disease is among the most common genetic disorders. Patients experience a specific form of diabetes mellitus and dark skin pigmentation (bronze diabetes) as well as liver cirrhosis. Additionally, there are disturbances in hormone balance, heart diseases, and other changes. In these patients, serum iron and serum ferritin levels are elevated. This guide will show you what characterizes hemochromatosis and how it can be recognized even in its early stages, alongside treatment options.