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Dietary modification plays an important role in the management of hereditary hemochromatosis. It is, therefore, important for patients to become educated about dietary factors that can help them take better control of their condition. In general, patients with hereditary hemochromatosis may follow regular diets but must also learn to avoid certain types of foods that can influence their levels of iron. Some general dietary recommendations include:

• Limit or reduce ingestion of foods that are rich in iron, including:

  • Red meats - red meat contains a type of iron known as heme iron that is very easily absorbed into the body
  • Organ meats - some organ meats, such as liver, contain abundant amounts of iron and should be avoided
  • Iron-fortified foods - some foods that are fortified with iron, such as certain cereals and breads, should also be avoided

• Avoid taking iron supplements or multivitamins that contain iron.

• Since alcohol increases the amount of iron absorbed by the body, alcohol consumption should be limited. Patients with underlying liver disease should avoid alcohol completely.

• Because Vitamin C supplements enhance iron absorption, some health-care professionals recommend completely avoiding Vitamin C supplements while others recommend limiting Vitamin C supplementation to less than 500 mg per day. Natural Vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables, does not increase iron absorption and should be encouraged.

• Some researchers have advocated drinking tea as a possible way of reducing iron. Tea is rich in substances called tannates that have been shown in a limited number of studies to inhibit iron absorption from the intestines. Other foods which may inhibit iron absorption include eggs, fiber, and supplemental calcium.

• Reduce the amount of sweet foods and beverages since sugar increases the absorption of iron.

• Fruits and vegetables contain minerals and vitamins that are essential to good overall health and there is no need to limit or curtail ingestion of these dietary foods. Also increase intake of nuts, grains, rice, and some beans. They contain non-heme iron which is more difficult to absorb than heme iron.

• Avoid eating or handling raw shellfish (cooked shellfish is acceptable) since it contains an organism which can be fatal for individuals with high iron levels.

• Avoid taking acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) if your liver enzymes are elevated.

• Some doctors recommend folic acid (1 mg) for patients undergoing phlebotomy to help boost production of hemoglobin.

• Patients with hereditary hemochromatosis should discuss with their health care provider or dietician the specific dietary modifications and restrictions that they should follow.