PrintPrevention of Hemochromatosis
At this time, hemochromatosis cannot be prevented. In many cases, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications caused by the disorder. Patients who have hemochromatosis should avoid:
- Alcohol
- Raw seafood (may increase the risk for liver damage)
- Iron and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements
Ongoing research is being conducted to determine how the body metabolizes and stores iron, the precise role of genes in iron absorption, and the method by which excess iron damages tissue and organs. Studies also are being performed to determine why hemochromatosis causes symptoms in some patients but not in others.
