Hemochromatosis Iron Overload

By SWA

Hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, is a condition where the body accumulates excessive amounts of iron. This overload can have various effects on different organs:

  1. Heart: Excess iron in the heart can lead to cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. This impairs the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to heart failure or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

  2. Liver: The liver is particularly susceptible to iron overload. Excess iron can cause liver damage, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and liver failure. These conditions arise because the liver is a primary site for iron storage.

  3. Pancreas: In the pancreas, iron overload can damage the cells that produce insulin, leading to diabetes mellitus (commonly known as bronze diabetes when associated with hemochromatosis).

    “Bronze Diabetes” a relatively rare inherited condition (GENE HHC - C282Y mutation) in which more dietary iron than usual is absorbed by the gut, leading to liver damage, weakness, skin pigmentation and diabetes.

Regarding muscles and other tissues, while hemochromatosis primarily affects organs like the heart, liver, and pancreas, excess iron can also accumulate in other tissues. This can lead to symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and general weakness. However, the direct impact on muscles and other tissues is typically less severe than the effects on major organs.

Diagnosis of hemochromatosis often involves several steps:

  • Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to check for elevated levels of iron. A key test is serum ferritin, which measures the amount of iron stored in your body. Elevated ferritin levels can indicate iron overload.
  • Genetic Testing: Since hemochromatosis is often genetic, genetic testing can be used to identify mutations in the HFE gene, which are commonly associated with the condition.
  • Liver Function Tests: These tests assess the health of the liver and can indicate whether iron overload has caused liver damage.
  • MRI: An MRI can assess iron levels in the liver and help in diagnosing iron overload.

Prevention of genetic hemochromatosis isn't possible since it's inherited. However, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent, slow, or reverse damage to organs. Treatment usually involves regularly removing blood from your body (phlebotomy) to lower the amount of iron. Additionally, avoiding excess iron in the diet and alcohol can help manage the condition. Regular monitoring and management under the care of a healthcare professional are crucial for those with hemochromatosis.

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Additional Information:

Hemochromatosis Iron Overload

What blocks zinc absorption?
Iron can have a negative effect on zinc absorption, if given together in a supplement, whereas no effect is observed when the same amounts are present in a meal as fortificants. Cadmium, which is increasing in the environment, also inhibits zinc absorption.

Dietary factors influencing zinc absorption:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10801947/

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right.

Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742

ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9

Some stories are a part of her new book. No part of this article or any other text can be used for publication or reproduction in any form without written permission from the author.

 

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