Hemochromatosis is a condition characterized by high iron in the blood. Excessive iron can be dangerous and damage organs. Hemochromatosis cannot be cured and requires lifelong dietary measures, along with regular blood treatments, to reduce the amount of iron in the body. Eating a low-iron diet and foods that inhibit iron absorption can help prevent complications of hemochromatosis.
Hemochromatosis
Most cases of hemochromatosis are genetic, according to MedlinePlus. MayoClinic.com says people with hemochromatosis may absorb 5 to 20 percent more iron than normal. Excess iron is stored in organs, like the liver, heart and pancreas, and can eventually cause damage that leads to cancer, heart disease, diabetes and liver disease. Early symptoms of the disease include arthritis, chronic fatigue, impotence, lack of menstruation, abdominal pain, high blood sugar, hypothyroidism and abnormal liver function tests.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that is used to make red blood cells and proteins. According to Medline Plus men need 8 to 11mg of iron a day and women need 8 to 18mg a day, depending on their age. The Iron Disorders Institute says people normally absorb about 1mg of dietary iron per day, but individuals with hemochromatosis may absorb four or more times that amount.
There are two forms of iron in food--heme and non-heme. The IDI says heme iron is more readily absorbed by the body and is in meat, while non-heme iron is found in plants and supplements. According to MedlinePlus, foods highest in iron include liver, red meat, oysters, poultry, salmon, iron-fortified cereals, eggs and dried beans.
Foods to Avoid
The IDI recommends that people with hemochromatosis limit consumption of red meat because it contains the most easily absorbed iron. Sugary foods and beverages should be limited because they can increase iron absorption. Raw fish and shellfish should also be avoided because they can contain Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium that the IDI says can be fatal for people with high blood iron levels.
Foods to Eat
The IDI encourages people with hemochromatosis to eat lots of fruits and vegetables because they are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from harmful substances that damage cells and contribute to heart disease, liver disease, cancer and other chronic conditions. The IDI says eating nuts, legumes, beans, seeds and whole grains is also good because these foods are high in fiber, an essential nutrient that impairs absorption of non-heme iron. Tea and coffee are suggested with meals because they contain tannins which also inhibit non-heme iron absorption.
Alcohol
Alcohol and iron can damage the liver when combined, notes MayoClinic.com. People who have hemochromatosis but do not have liver disease should limit themselves to one or two alcoholic drinks per day. Individuals with liver disease due to hemochromatosis should avoid alcohol completely to avoid further liver damage.
Supplements
People with hemochromatosis should not take iron pills or any supplements or multivitamins that contain iron, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Supplemental vitamin C should be limited to 500mg or less a day because vitamin C increases iron absorption. MayoClinic.com notes that foods that contain vitamin C, like citrus fruits and juices, are OK for people with hemochromatosis.
