Hereditary hemochromatosis is inherited in which pattern and typically presents after what age?

• A. Autosomal recessive; after age 40
• B. Autosomal dominant; in childhood
• C. X-linked recessive; after age 60
• D. Mitochondrial inheritance; in adolescence

Answer: (A)

Hereditary hemochromatosis is autosomal recessive, meaning two mutated copies of the gene are usually needed for disease to manifest. The iron overload accumulates gradually over years, so symptoms typically appear in middle age—commonly after about 40 in men; women often present later, after menopause, due to iron losses from menstruation and pregnancy. This pattern fits the gradual, adult-onset nature of the condition. Other inheritance patterns would show different family patterns and age-of-onset scenarios, such as earlier onset with dominant patterns or predominantly male presentation with X-linked inheritance.