Hemochromatosis indicates accumulation of iron in the body from any cause. The
most important causes are hereditary haemochromatosis (HHC), a genetic disorder,
and transfusional iron overload, which can result from repeated blood
transfusions.
In addition to therapeutic blood removal, you may further reduce your risk of
complications from hemochromatosis if you:
Avoid iron supplements and multivitamins containing iron. These can increase youriron levels even more.Avoid vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C increases absorption of iron. There'susually no need to restrict vitamin C in your diet, however.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol greatly increases the risk of liver damage in people withhereditary hemochromatosis. If you have hereditary hemochromatosis and you alreadyhave liver disease, avoid alcohol completely.Avoid eating raw fish and shellfish. People with hereditary hemochromatosis aresusceptible to infections, particularly those caused by certain bacteria in rawfish and shellfish.
