High Iron

  Had some blood work done and my iron content was much too high.How can I lower it with diet?

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

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Dear Howie,
Igh iron counts are usually not a problem unless you have hemochromatosis, a genetic disease in which too much iron is absorbed.  Patients with hemochromatosis have excess iron deposition in the liver causing scarring and even cirrhosis.  Iron deposition in the skin can give tyhe skin a bromze color.  Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) results from iron deposits in the liver.  Heart problems (irregular heart rhythm or heart failure), arthritis and impotence have all been reported.  
Hemochromatosis can be diagnosed by liver biopsy and in family members of identified cases by genetic screening tests.
The only treatment that can lower the iron is phlebotomy (regular removal of blood, analogous to giving a unit of blood at regular intervals).
Your first step should be a discussion with your doctor regarding the probability of your having hemochromatosis and aplan for next steps in making a diagnosis.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  ASk specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: hemochromatosis, iron
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