Foods that Harm

• Iron supplements and iron-rich multivitamins
• Alcohol (if there is liver damage)
• High doses of vitamin C
• Raw Shellfish

Foods to Limit

• Iron-rich foods, such as lean red meat and organ meats
• Dark green leafy vegetables

Who is Affected?

• About 43 million people, who carry single or double copies of the hemochromatosis gene and are susceptible to developing the disease.
• Secondary hemochromatosis affects people who have anemia, alcoholism, and other disorders

Hemochromatosis is the most common form of iron overload disease and can be inherited or caused by anemia or alcoholism. Left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to the body.

Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb and store excess iron. The body stores the excess in muscles and vital organs, specifically the liver, heart, and pancreas. An iron overload does not produce symptoms until a harmful amount has accumulated in the body. The symptoms and signs often surface in middle age, and they include a ruddy complexion, fatigue, joint and intestinal pain, and an irregular heartbeat. As the liver becomes damaged, jaundice may develop. Unless treated, the damage can lead to serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.

Nutrition Connection:

The main focus in dealing with hemochromatosis should be avoiding excess intake of iron and foods that increase iron absorption.

• Avoid eating foods high in Vitamin C with iron-rich plant foods: For those who are predisposed to store extra iron, this combination may be harmful. Consume the vitamin C items between meals.
• Be careful with multivitamins and supplements: Unless prescribed by a doctor, supplements containing iron and large doses of vitamin C should not be taken. Some experts advise that anyone who is contemplating taking a vitamin C supplement should first have a blood test to measure iron levels.
• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol may cause liver damage
• Avoid raw shellfish: Those with hereditary hemochromatosis are prone to infections, particularly ones caused by bacteria in raw shellfish.

Beyond the Diet:

If anyone in your family has hemochromatosis, it is important to get screened by a physician who can help you manage the disease before it inflicts any damage to your organs. Make note of the following steps:

• Receive an in-depth diagnosis: Your doctor may run blood tests to diagnose an iron overload. In some cases, a test for a gene mutation or a liver biopsy may be necessary.
• Look at blood removal: This safe and effective treatment, which is just like donating blood, involves periodic removal of 1 pt (0.5L) or so of blood, which reduces iron levels by forcing the body to use some of its stores to make new red blood cells.

10 years or more of taking iron supplements or having blood transfusions may lead people to suffer iron overload.