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Hemochromatosis

Hemochromotosis

03/12/2009

Question:

I have had iron overload for 14 years. I had had 300 plus phlebotomies. My fereitin is 33. Is there an Asian herb or tea you can recommend that will bind with my iron? I am starting to get stiffiness or maybe early arthritis in my hands and feet. Any suggestions? I don`t eat red meat and limit to 1-2 drinks of wine on the weekend. Please help me with the sore/stiffiness in my joints. I am 48 years old and female.

Thanks.

Answer:

While it is true that tea does have an inhibitory effect on iron absorption, the key -- regardless of how you want to approach it -- is to keep your ferritin at about 50 or lower, but not lower than 20. Usually, the mainstay of treatment here is phlebotomy, and I would not suggest any health foods in this situation.

For more information:

Go to the Hemochromatosis health topic, where you can:

Response by:

The Ohio State University Mark Wurster, MD
Formerly:
Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University
Mark Wurster, MD