3. Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Many genetic conditions plague the human race, but one of the most common is classic hemochromatosis. For most people, the condition does not cause any symptoms, and people can go through their whole life being unaware that they carry the genetic condition. The condition is mostly present in the Caucasian population, and the number affected stands about one in every 200 people. 15% percent of those affected will carry a mutation of the condition.
That condition is caused by a mutation in the HFE gene which controls the amount of iron absorbed by the body. There are two types of HFE mutations, H63D, and C282Y. Those who suffer from the syndrome absorb more iron than the normal person. The mutations sometimes cause people to become carriers without developing the full syndrome while other times it will result in a full-blown condition. This syndrome is one of the major causes of iron overload.