Total body iron overload or hemochromatosis is a result either of hereditary hemochromatosis or repeated blood transfusions, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital. Of the two types of total body iron overload, hereditary hemochromatosis is more common. Hereditary hemochromatosis is one of the most prevalent genetic conditions in the world. It occurs in about one out of every 200 people of European descent.
Significance
Congestive cardiomyopathy is the most common defect that occurs with iron overload. This disease damages your heart muscle by dilating it and allowing it to fill with too much blood. Other problems are also possible, including inflammation of the tissue surrounding your heart, stiffening of the heart muscle, irregular heart beat and chest pain.
Consequences
You get iron from the foods you eat. Normally the body absorbs 10 percent of the iron found in foods. If you have hemochromatosis, you absorb double that amount, as reported by Kids Health. Once absorbed, your body cannot get rid of the excess iron. Instead it is stored in your heart and other organs where it can reach toxic levels.
Iron Absorption
If you have hemochromatosis, you must control your body's absorption of iron with dietary modifications. Heme iron is contained in meat and non-heme iron is found in plants and supplements. Heme iron is more easily absorbed.
Calcium can inhibit your body's absorption of heme and nonheme iron, according to the Iron Disorders Institute. Tannins, which are found in coffee, tea and chocolate, as well as fiber, eggs and oxalates impair absorption of nonheme iron.
Warning
If you have hemochromatosis, you should reduce your consumption of red meat. You should also avoid foods high in animal fat such as high-fat luncheon meats, heavily marbled meats, poultry skin, butter and lard. Fats can bind with the extra circulating iron in your body and form free radicals which can damage your cells. Avoid concentrated sweets such as candy, cake, pie, cookies and regular soft drinks. Sugar increases your absorption of iron.
Benefits
If you have hemochromatosis, you should eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain nonheme iron which is not well absorbed. Eat nuts, grains, rice and beans. These healthy high-fiber foods inhibit nonheme iron absorption.
