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Contents
  • Understanding Hemochromatosis
  • Foods to Focus On
  • Foods to Avoid

Could Your Diet Help Manage Hemochromatosis?

Could Your Diet Help Manage Hemochromatosis?

What's This About?

Discover how dietary choices play a crucial role in managing hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), an iron overload disorder. Learn what to eat and what to avoid to keep your iron levels in check.
Contents
  • Understanding Hemochromatosis
  • Foods to Focus On
  • Foods to Avoid

Understanding Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from food. This excess iron is stored in organs, leading to potential damage if not managed properly. Dietary adjustments are a key component in managing this condition effectively.

Foods to Focus On

While there are no strict dietary restrictions, focusing on a balanced diet is crucial. Foods rich in tannins, like tea and coffee, can reduce iron absorption. Similarly, calcium-rich foods can be beneficial as they also inhibit iron absorption. However, it's important to avoid excessive vitamin C, which can increase iron absorption.
A dietary plan focused on managing hereditary hemochromatosis by reducing iron absorption.

Foods to Avoid

Although red meat and organ meats are high in iron, they don't necessarily need to be avoided completely. However, those with hemochromatosis should steer clear of iron supplements and multivitamins containing iron, as these can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, alcohol should be consumed in moderation due to its potential to increase iron levels.

FAQs

Can diet alone manage hemochromatosis?

Diet helps, but regular medical monitoring and treatment are essential.

What foods decrease iron absorption?

Tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods can decrease iron absorption.

Should I avoid all red meat with hemochromatosis?

Not necessarily, but moderation is key.

Does vitamin C affect iron absorption?

Yes, vitamin C can increase iron absorption.

Is alcohol safe for those with hemochromatosis?

Alcohol should be limited as it can increase iron levels.

The Bottom Line

Balancing your diet is a critical step in managing hemochromatosis effectively.
Talk to Doctronic about tailoring a diet plan to manage your hemochromatosis today!
Additional References
  1. Lynch SR, Skikne BS, Cook JD. Food iron absorption in idiopathic hemochromatosis. Blood 1989; 74:2187.
  2. Morck TA, Lynch SR, Cook JD. Inhibition of food iron absorption by coffee. Am J Clin Nutr 1983; 37:416.
  3. Milward EA, Baines SK, Knuiman MW, et al. Noncitrus fruits as novel dietary environmental modifiers of iron stores in people with or without HFE gene mutations. Mayo Clin Proc 2008; 83:543.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.