diet for hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary condition in which the body can't break down the iron from foods. Diet is very important for a person with this condition.

If you are taking vitamins or supplements, you need to read the labels to see which ones have iron in them. You need to stop taking any supplement with added iron. Many processed foods have added iron (bread, cereals, baked goods, pasta). Go through your cabinets to figure out which ones. You'll need to eliminate them.

Don't take Vitamin C supplements because they help the body absorb more iron from food. Orange juice between meals and whole fresh fruits are ok.

Avoid alcohol, especially if you have liver damage. Iron and alcohol combine to cause more liver damage.

You will also want to avoid raw fish and shellfish. People with Hemochromatosis can be susceptible to certain bacteria. Cooked fish and shellfish are fine but note that shrimp contain iron. (see list below)

You have already been told to avoid red meat. Here is a list of other items that are high in iron and should be avoided:

Some foods inhibit the absorption of iron in the body. Calcium, coffee and tea with your meal, spinach, chard, beet greens, rhubarb, sweet potato, whole grains and bran, eggs and soy products all inhibit iron absorption.

Here is more information about hemochromatosis:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/

This page has a fact sheet about diet that you can download for free:

http://www.hemochromatosis.org/Internal.asp?page=Diet

I hope this helps you. If you are still need help, you may want to talk to a registered dietician in your local area who can help you plan meals.

Keep encouraging your family to get tested.

Best to you!