Hemochromatosis

See all Pictures & Images

Hemochromatosis Treatment

The goal of treatment is to remove excess iron from the body and to give supportive treatment to damaged organs.

Iron removal is done by phlebotomy (removal of blood). One-half liter of blood is removed from the body each week for 2 to 3 years until the iron stores are depleted. After that, less frequent phlebotomy is needed to maintain iron levels within normal limits. The frequency of additional phlebotomy is determined individually for each person based on levels of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and their symptoms.

Loss of sexual desire and change in secondary sexual characteristics are improved with testosterone therapy.

Management of diabetes, arthritis, liver failure, and heart failure associated with this condition are the same as conventional treatments for these problems.

People diagnosed with hemochromatosis must follow a special diet to help maintain a lower serum ferritin. The diet prohibits alcohol consumption, especially for patients who have suffered liver damage. People with hemochromatosis must also avoid iron pills or vitamins containing iron, vitamin supplements, iron cookware, raw seafood (touching or eating; cooked is fine), or fortified processed foods such as 100% iron breakfast cereals.

Diet does not prevent, control, or cure hemochromatosis, and phlebotomy is the most efficient method for removing excess iron from the body.