Hereditary Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder of abnormal iron metabolism.  Individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis absorb too much dietary iron.  Once absorbed, the body does not have an efficient way of excreting iron excesses.  Over time, these excesses build to a condition of iron overload, which is toxic to cells.  Glands and organs, including the liver, heart, pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, synovium and bone marrow burdened with excess iron cannot function properly.  Symptoms develop and disease progresses.  This iron-mediated disease process has been implicated in multiple metabolic disorders, the worsening of many disease conditions, and premature death and disability.

https://www.medicinenet.com/iron_overload/article.htm