There are two types: Primary and Secondary. Primary hemochromatosis has a genetic cause and is hereditary. One can be a carrier (can pass it on) and have no symptoms. Secondary hemochromatosis is an acquired condition, caused by another disease, such as thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia, that is not uncommon in individuals who have received a large amount of blood transfusions. Primary hemochromatosis is more common.

What is Hemochromatosis?

Although iron has numerous benefits within the body, you can most definitely get too much of a good thing. Typically, we absorb about 1 mg of iron per day to meet our body's needs. Individuals with hemochromatosis can absorb up to 4 times that amount each day. Excess iron absorbs through the small intestine and accumulates in organs throughout the body. In the liver, as in other organs such as the thyroid, testicles, pancreas, pituitary gland, heart and joints, the excess iron can cause scarring and damage that can affect the functioning of the organ. Liver disease (cirrhosis and even liver Cancer), heart disease, arthritis and diabetes can all be symptoms of excess iron and its impact on these relevant organs. If caught in time, some of this organ damage can be reversed with aggressive treatment.

What Are Key Symptoms of Hemochromatosis?

Although not all individuals with hemochromatosis will experience symptoms, some of the more common symptoms/warning signs include: abdominal pain, fatigue or lack of energy, generalized darkening of the skin (called bronzing), joint pain, loss of body hair, loss of sexual desire, weight loss and weakness.

How Can I Treat Hemochromatosis?

Therapeutic phlebotomy is the most effective method of removing excess iron from the body. Doctors often remove a prescribed amount of blood at regular intervals, sometimes weekly. They base treatment on hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Treatment continues until iron levels return to a normal range. This can take years for some individuals. Phlebotomy is required much less often once levels are normal, and individuals may be asked to come in every 2-3 months for maintenance blood draws.

Natural Therapies

Supplements

There is not a supplement that can reverse or 'cure' hemochromatosis, BUT, along with phlebotomy, there are some specific guidelines that can help to minimize absorption of excess iron and potentially decrease the need for phlebotomy, as well as help to protect and reverse organ damage due to excess iron.

Dietary Support

First and foremost, there are a few dietary recommendations that can support healthy iron levels. Through diet, we consume two types of iron: iron contained in heme (primarily from meat) and non-heme iron, usually found in plants and most supplements. Heme iron absorbs more easily than other forms of iron. People with excess iron should keep dietary heme iron intake to a minimum. This means avoiding meat like beef, venison and lamb, as well as pork. Some fish/seafood, such as mussels, lobster and shrimp, are also very high in heme iron. These should also be avoided. All raw shellfish can carry a bacterium that feeds off iron and can cause fatal infection. These should also be avoided by these individuals.

High-fat meat contains high levels of animal fat and should be minimized. Iron that combines with fat can create free radicals in our body, which can damage organs, tissues and cells, like DNA. Some non-suspect foods can negatively impact our efforts at lowering iron intake. Sugar improves the absorption of iron so it is best to avoid beverages that are high in sugar. Even some cereals are enriched with iron; instant oatmeal and cream of wheat can both be enriched. Read labels on your cereal products and try substituting them for a cereal with low or no iron content.

The same goes for alcohol. If there has already been damage to the liver, alcohol should be eliminated altogether. If not, keep alcohol to a minimum, as it also increases iron absorption. Moderation in terms of alcohol means no more than 2 drinks per day, with a maximum of 9-14 drinks/week. In terms of supplementation, do not take an iron supplement and look for a multi vitamin that does not include iron. There are a number of them on the market. Also, limit or avoid supplemental vitamin C, which also enhances the absorption of iron.

It may seem like a long list of things you should avoid; however, have no fear, there are many foods that you can enjoy. 

The Best Foods To Consume

Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to help combat free radical damage. Their fibre content may also reduce iron absorption.

Spinach contains oxalates, which can impair non-heme iron absorption. You can continue eating this nutritious leafy green.

Current research does not support avoiding vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables. Continue enjoying citrus and other vitamin C sources.

Include nuts, grains, rice, and beans in your diet. These foods provide fibre and plant-based protein.

If you drink tea, consider having a cup daily or with meals. Tea tannins may reduce non-heme iron absorption. Green tea also provides powerful antioxidants.

Consider supplements that support liver health and reduce oxidative stress. Options include L-glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), milk thistle, SAMe, and vitamins E and A.