Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeHow the Diet WorksWhat to EatWhat to Avoid
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose
How the Diet Works
What to Eat
What to Avoid
Hemochromatosisis a genetic disorder that causes a buildup of too muchironin your body. A strict hemochromatosis diet is not usually necessary. However, understanding how dietary iron is absorbed may help to manage the condition.
Excessive iron from hemochromatosis can cause severe organ and joint damage and even death. The primary treatment is weekly blood removal to lower iron stores. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and reducing the amount of red meat and vitamin C in your diet are also recommended.
This article discusses how to eat on the hemochromatosis diet. It explores the difference between heme and non-heme iron and how they affect your iron levels. It also explains foods that hinder or boost iron absorption and how combining or avoiding different food pairings can help manage hemochromatosis.
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Purpose of the Hemochromatosis Diet
The goal of the hemochromatosis diet is to lower the amount of iron the body absorbs. Iron is an essential nutrient. The body does not make it and relies upon dietary sources of iron.
Normally, only 10% to 13% of dietary iron is absorbed in the gut.In people with hemochromatosis, however, iron absorption is dramatically increased. This is due to a genetic deficiency ofhepcidin, a hormone produced in the liver that regulates iron absorption.
Understanding different types of dietary iron, how they are absorbed, and the interplay of other nutrients can help you better manage hemochromatosis.
Dietary iron comes in two forms:
People with hemochromatosis should limit their intake of heme iron. Foods rich in non-heme iron are less restricted but should not be combined with foods that increase the absorption of non-heme iron.
Additionally, several foods can hinder iron absorption. Including them alongside foods rich in heme or non-heme iron can help lower the risk of iron overload.
The American Academy of Family Physicians does not recommend a specific diet for people with hemochromatosis. It does, however, recommend the following dietary interventions:
In addition, people with hemochromatosis should avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, which can cause a serious infection in people with liver disease.
A healthy hemochromatosis diet focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits other than citrus, whole grains, and protein sources that are low in heme iron. Whole foods are encouraged whenever possible.
Principles of a Hemochromatosis DietWhile there are no formal guidelines for the hemochromatosis diet, research shows the following principles are beneficial for preventing iron overload:Avoid red meat, processed meat, offal (organ meat), and blood-containing foods.Choose plant-based proteins (legumes, pulses, and soy) and eggs.Include three to five 3.5-ounce servings of fish each week.Limit poultry to two 3.5-ounce servings of lean, white meat per week.Aim for 600 grams (about 4 cups) of vegetables and fruit daily.Eat fruit as a snack between meals to avoid combining vitamin C with iron-rich foods.Choose whole grain breads and cereals, but avoid iron-enriched products and sourdough.Limit animal fat, full-fat dairy, added sugar, and salt.Drink water, green or black tea, coffee, or low-fat milk with meals.Do not drink alcohol and avoid drinking juice with meals.
Principles of a Hemochromatosis Diet
While there are no formal guidelines for the hemochromatosis diet, research shows the following principles are beneficial for preventing iron overload:Avoid red meat, processed meat, offal (organ meat), and blood-containing foods.Choose plant-based proteins (legumes, pulses, and soy) and eggs.Include three to five 3.5-ounce servings of fish each week.Limit poultry to two 3.5-ounce servings of lean, white meat per week.Aim for 600 grams (about 4 cups) of vegetables and fruit daily.Eat fruit as a snack between meals to avoid combining vitamin C with iron-rich foods.Choose whole grain breads and cereals, but avoid iron-enriched products and sourdough.Limit animal fat, full-fat dairy, added sugar, and salt.Drink water, green or black tea, coffee, or low-fat milk with meals.Do not drink alcohol and avoid drinking juice with meals.
While there are no formal guidelines for the hemochromatosis diet, research shows the following principles are beneficial for preventing iron overload:
Work with your healthcare provider and dietitian to determine the right eating plan for you. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight is recommended. Excess weight increases the risk of liver injury in people with hereditary hemochromatosis.
Do not make dietary changes without first consulting your healthcare provider.
How Anemia Is Diagnosed
What to Eat With Hemochromatosis
People with hemochromatosis should eat a varied diet that includes plenty of vegetables and non-citrus fruits, plant-based proteins and fats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean animal proteins in moderation.
Some foods recommended on the hemochromatosis diet include:
Foods That Decrease Iron Absorption
Another helpful strategy is to include foods rich in nutrients that impede iron absorption. Adding the following nutrients to your meals can help lower your iron uptake:
Blood Iron Levels May Be Key to Healthy Aging
What Not to Eat With Hemochromatosis
People with hemochromatosis should avoid or limit foods that are high in heme iron, nutrients that boost iron absorption, and things that can harm the liver. These include:
Some of these foods should be limited due to their heme iron content. Others enhance iron absorption and promote iron overload.
Foods That Increase Iron Absorption
Some nutrientsboost iron absorption. Avoid eating meals that combine iron-rich foods with the following:
Avoid Undercooked ShellfishPeople with hereditary hemochromatosis should avoid raw or undercooked shellfish. This is because it contains a type of bacteria calledVibrio vulnificusthat is known to be fatal in those with high iron levels.
Avoid Undercooked Shellfish
People with hereditary hemochromatosis should avoid raw or undercooked shellfish. This is because it contains a type of bacteria calledVibrio vulnificusthat is known to be fatal in those with high iron levels.
Don’t Use Cast-Iron Cookware
People with hemochromatosis should avoid using cast-iron skillets or pots to cook, especially for slow cooking or preparing acidic foods like tomatoes. Iron from these pots can leech into the food, increasing iron content.
Summary
Watching what you eat can help people with hemochromatosis to slow the buildup of iron in their blood. The hemochromatosis diet emphasizes fresh produce, plant-based proteins, fish, lean poultry, and low-fat dairy while avoiding sources of heme iron, like red meat.
Combine foods that contain iron with those containing nutrients that hinder iron absorption. Dairy, eggs, leafy greens, legumes, nuts, coffee, tea, and chocolate are good options.
Avoid consuming iron-rich foods along with foods that boost absorption, including alcohol, citrus fruit or juice, fermented foods, and added sugar. Eat these between meals instead. Since hemochromatosis is a liver disease, alcohol should be limited or eliminated altogether to preserve liver health.
If you have hemochromatosis, ask your healthcare provider if dietary interventions should be added to your treatment plan. If so, consult a dietitian for guidance to ensure you are getting enough nutrients.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Milman NT.Managing genetic hemochromatosis: an overview of dietary measures, which may reduce intestinal iron absorption in persons with iron overload.Gastroenterology Res. 2021;14(2):66-80. doi:10.14740/gr1366Kane SF, Roberts C, Paulus R.Hereditary hemochromatosis: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(2):263-70.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Iron: Fact sheet for health professionals.Piskin E, Cianciosi D, Gulec S, Tomas M, Capanoglu E.Iron absorption: factors, limitations, and improvement methods.ACS Omega.2022;7(24):20441-20456. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c01833Ganz T.Hepcidin.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2016;57(10):1913-1917. doi:10.11406/rinketsu.57.1913Barton JC, Edwards CQ.HFEHemochromatosis. In: Adam MP, Everman DB, Mirzaa GM, et al, eds.GeneReviews [Internet]. Seattle, Wash: University of Washington, Seattle; 2018.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, and nutrition for hemochromatosis: What should I eat if I have hemochromatosis?Kobayashi Y, Wakasugi E, Yasui R, Kuwahata M, Kido Y.Egg yolk protein delays recovery while ovalbumin is useful in recovery from iron deficiency anemia.Nutrients. 2015;7(6):4792-803. doi:10.3390/nu7064792Pawlak R, Berger J, Hines I.Iron status of vegetarian adults: a review of literature.Am J Lifestyle Med.2018;12(6):486-98. doi:10.1177/1559827616682933Armah SM, Boy E, Chen D, Candal P, Reddy MB.Regular consumption of a high-phytate diet reduces the inhibitory effect of phytate on nonheme-iron absorption in women with suboptimal iron stores.J Nutr.2015;145(8):1735-9. doi:10.3945/jn.114.209957Delimont NM, Haub MD, Lindshield BL.The impact of tannin consumption on iron bioavailability and status: a narrative review.Curr Dev Nutr. 2017;1(2):1-12. doi:10.3945/cdn.116.000042Grochowski C, Blicharska E, Baj J, et al.Serum iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese levels in alcoholism: a systematic review.Molecules.2019;24(7);1361. doi:10.3390/molecules24071361Lane DJ, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR.Bonnie and Clyde: Vitamin C and iron are partners in crime in iron deficiency anaemia and its potential role in the elderly.Aging (Albany NY). 2016;8(5):1150-2. doi:10.18632/aging.100966Christides T, Sharp P.Sugars increase non-heme iron bioavailability in human epithelial intestinal and liver cells.PLoS ONE. 2013;8(12):e83031. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083031Heng SP, Letchumanan V, Deng CY, et al.Vibrio vulnificus: an environmental and clinical burden.Front Microbiol.2017;8:997. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.00997Alves C, Saleh A, Alaofè H.Iron-containing cookware for the reduction of iron deficiency anemia among children and females of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(9):e0221094. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0221094
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Milman NT.Managing genetic hemochromatosis: an overview of dietary measures, which may reduce intestinal iron absorption in persons with iron overload.Gastroenterology Res. 2021;14(2):66-80. doi:10.14740/gr1366Kane SF, Roberts C, Paulus R.Hereditary hemochromatosis: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(2):263-70.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Iron: Fact sheet for health professionals.Piskin E, Cianciosi D, Gulec S, Tomas M, Capanoglu E.Iron absorption: factors, limitations, and improvement methods.ACS Omega.2022;7(24):20441-20456. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c01833Ganz T.Hepcidin.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2016;57(10):1913-1917. doi:10.11406/rinketsu.57.1913Barton JC, Edwards CQ.HFEHemochromatosis. In: Adam MP, Everman DB, Mirzaa GM, et al, eds.GeneReviews [Internet]. Seattle, Wash: University of Washington, Seattle; 2018.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, and nutrition for hemochromatosis: What should I eat if I have hemochromatosis?Kobayashi Y, Wakasugi E, Yasui R, Kuwahata M, Kido Y.Egg yolk protein delays recovery while ovalbumin is useful in recovery from iron deficiency anemia.Nutrients. 2015;7(6):4792-803. doi:10.3390/nu7064792Pawlak R, Berger J, Hines I.Iron status of vegetarian adults: a review of literature.Am J Lifestyle Med.2018;12(6):486-98. doi:10.1177/1559827616682933Armah SM, Boy E, Chen D, Candal P, Reddy MB.Regular consumption of a high-phytate diet reduces the inhibitory effect of phytate on nonheme-iron absorption in women with suboptimal iron stores.J Nutr.2015;145(8):1735-9. doi:10.3945/jn.114.209957Delimont NM, Haub MD, Lindshield BL.The impact of tannin consumption on iron bioavailability and status: a narrative review.Curr Dev Nutr. 2017;1(2):1-12. doi:10.3945/cdn.116.000042Grochowski C, Blicharska E, Baj J, et al.Serum iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese levels in alcoholism: a systematic review.Molecules.2019;24(7);1361. doi:10.3390/molecules24071361Lane DJ, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR.Bonnie and Clyde: Vitamin C and iron are partners in crime in iron deficiency anaemia and its potential role in the elderly.Aging (Albany NY). 2016;8(5):1150-2. doi:10.18632/aging.100966Christides T, Sharp P.Sugars increase non-heme iron bioavailability in human epithelial intestinal and liver cells.PLoS ONE. 2013;8(12):e83031. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083031Heng SP, Letchumanan V, Deng CY, et al.Vibrio vulnificus: an environmental and clinical burden.Front Microbiol.2017;8:997. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.00997Alves C, Saleh A, Alaofè H.Iron-containing cookware for the reduction of iron deficiency anemia among children and females of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(9):e0221094. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0221094
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Milman NT.Managing genetic hemochromatosis: an overview of dietary measures, which may reduce intestinal iron absorption in persons with iron overload.Gastroenterology Res. 2021;14(2):66-80. doi:10.14740/gr1366Kane SF, Roberts C, Paulus R.Hereditary hemochromatosis: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(2):263-70.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Iron: Fact sheet for health professionals.Piskin E, Cianciosi D, Gulec S, Tomas M, Capanoglu E.Iron absorption: factors, limitations, and improvement methods.ACS Omega.2022;7(24):20441-20456. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c01833Ganz T.Hepcidin.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2016;57(10):1913-1917. doi:10.11406/rinketsu.57.1913Barton JC, Edwards CQ.HFEHemochromatosis. In: Adam MP, Everman DB, Mirzaa GM, et al, eds.GeneReviews [Internet]. Seattle, Wash: University of Washington, Seattle; 2018.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, and nutrition for hemochromatosis: What should I eat if I have hemochromatosis?Kobayashi Y, Wakasugi E, Yasui R, Kuwahata M, Kido Y.Egg yolk protein delays recovery while ovalbumin is useful in recovery from iron deficiency anemia.Nutrients. 2015;7(6):4792-803. doi:10.3390/nu7064792Pawlak R, Berger J, Hines I.Iron status of vegetarian adults: a review of literature.Am J Lifestyle Med.2018;12(6):486-98. doi:10.1177/1559827616682933Armah SM, Boy E, Chen D, Candal P, Reddy MB.Regular consumption of a high-phytate diet reduces the inhibitory effect of phytate on nonheme-iron absorption in women with suboptimal iron stores.J Nutr.2015;145(8):1735-9. doi:10.3945/jn.114.209957Delimont NM, Haub MD, Lindshield BL.The impact of tannin consumption on iron bioavailability and status: a narrative review.Curr Dev Nutr. 2017;1(2):1-12. doi:10.3945/cdn.116.000042Grochowski C, Blicharska E, Baj J, et al.Serum iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese levels in alcoholism: a systematic review.Molecules.2019;24(7);1361. doi:10.3390/molecules24071361Lane DJ, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR.Bonnie and Clyde: Vitamin C and iron are partners in crime in iron deficiency anaemia and its potential role in the elderly.Aging (Albany NY). 2016;8(5):1150-2. doi:10.18632/aging.100966Christides T, Sharp P.Sugars increase non-heme iron bioavailability in human epithelial intestinal and liver cells.PLoS ONE. 2013;8(12):e83031. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083031Heng SP, Letchumanan V, Deng CY, et al.Vibrio vulnificus: an environmental and clinical burden.Front Microbiol.2017;8:997. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.00997Alves C, Saleh A, Alaofè H.Iron-containing cookware for the reduction of iron deficiency anemia among children and females of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(9):e0221094. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0221094
Milman NT.Managing genetic hemochromatosis: an overview of dietary measures, which may reduce intestinal iron absorption in persons with iron overload.Gastroenterology Res. 2021;14(2):66-80. doi:10.14740/gr1366
Kane SF, Roberts C, Paulus R.Hereditary hemochromatosis: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(2):263-70.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Iron: Fact sheet for health professionals.
Piskin E, Cianciosi D, Gulec S, Tomas M, Capanoglu E.Iron absorption: factors, limitations, and improvement methods.ACS Omega.2022;7(24):20441-20456. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c01833
Ganz T.Hepcidin.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2016;57(10):1913-1917. doi:10.11406/rinketsu.57.1913
Barton JC, Edwards CQ.HFEHemochromatosis. In: Adam MP, Everman DB, Mirzaa GM, et al, eds.GeneReviews [Internet]. Seattle, Wash: University of Washington, Seattle; 2018.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, and nutrition for hemochromatosis: What should I eat if I have hemochromatosis?
Kobayashi Y, Wakasugi E, Yasui R, Kuwahata M, Kido Y.Egg yolk protein delays recovery while ovalbumin is useful in recovery from iron deficiency anemia.Nutrients. 2015;7(6):4792-803. doi:10.3390/nu7064792
Pawlak R, Berger J, Hines I.Iron status of vegetarian adults: a review of literature.Am J Lifestyle Med.2018;12(6):486-98. doi:10.1177/1559827616682933
Armah SM, Boy E, Chen D, Candal P, Reddy MB.Regular consumption of a high-phytate diet reduces the inhibitory effect of phytate on nonheme-iron absorption in women with suboptimal iron stores.J Nutr.2015;145(8):1735-9. doi:10.3945/jn.114.209957
Delimont NM, Haub MD, Lindshield BL.The impact of tannin consumption on iron bioavailability and status: a narrative review.Curr Dev Nutr. 2017;1(2):1-12. doi:10.3945/cdn.116.000042
Grochowski C, Blicharska E, Baj J, et al.Serum iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese levels in alcoholism: a systematic review.Molecules.2019;24(7);1361. doi:10.3390/molecules24071361
Lane DJ, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR.Bonnie and Clyde: Vitamin C and iron are partners in crime in iron deficiency anaemia and its potential role in the elderly.Aging (Albany NY). 2016;8(5):1150-2. doi:10.18632/aging.100966
Christides T, Sharp P.Sugars increase non-heme iron bioavailability in human epithelial intestinal and liver cells.PLoS ONE. 2013;8(12):e83031. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083031
Heng SP, Letchumanan V, Deng CY, et al.Vibrio vulnificus: an environmental and clinical burden.Front Microbiol.2017;8:997. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.00997
Alves C, Saleh A, Alaofè H.Iron-containing cookware for the reduction of iron deficiency anemia among children and females of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(9):e0221094. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0221094
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