Excessive absorption of which mineral is characteristic of Hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive absorption of iron from the diet. This condition leads to an accumulation of iron in the body, which can cause damage to various organs, including the liver, heart, and pancreas. The body has no natural mechanism to excrete excess iron, so individuals with hemochromatosis absorb more iron than they need, resulting in potentially toxic levels.

In contrast, calcium, selenium, and potassium are minerals that, while important for various bodily functions, do not have the same association with excessive absorption in the context of hemochromatosis. For example, while calcium is crucial for bone health and muscle function, it does not accumulate in the body in the same harmful way as iron does in this condition. Selenium and potassium also play essential roles but are not linked to hemochromatosis. Therefore, the correct answer regarding the mineral that is excessively absorbed in hemochromatosis is iron.