Question 1

how can i know if i have iron overload/hemochromatosis? what tests should be performed? i hear that there is a dna genetic test kit for hemochromatosis, is that true?

Accepted Answer

Iron overload: You would be best served by seeing a gastroenterologist if you suspect iron overload as the doctor can check you for many things.

Question 2

what is iron overload, hemochromatosis?

Accepted Answer

Too much bodily iron: As a result of the inability to increase iron loss, iron overload is an inevitable response to increased iron entry into the body. This can occur by one of three mechanisms - nutritional intake, increased absorption, parenteral sources (i.e. Transfusions). Hemochromatosis is abnormally high absorption of iron as result of a genetic defect. Extra iron can be toxic.

Question 3

what iron levels are considered "suspicious" for iron overload/hemochromatosis?

Accepted Answer

Hemachromatosis: A number of tests are available to check iron levels, and a hematologist or blood disease specialist, will check multiple tests for  iron overload.  The specialist may also suggest a liver biopsy to check for iron overload.

Question 4

is there a treatment for iron overload?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Iron overload damages the liver, heart, and other organs; and it causes fatigue, weakness, joint pains, abdominal pain, etc...  Treatment is by blood-letting (taking blood out of the person) and/or chelation (using chemicals to bind up the iron and remove it from the body).

Question 5

what foods are good for the liver during iron overload?

Accepted Answer

High fiber: Low nitrogen vegetables and water are the best.

Question 6

if there is a drug i can take for iron overload, wouldn't it be better to use that, instead of giving blood all of the time?

Accepted Answer

No: I am answering n0, because I do not know of a medcation that would remedy this problem without the necessity of withdrawing blood to keep the level of iron within an acceptable range.  I am sure that consulting your hematologist would give you a better explanation than the one I have given you. Perhaps one of the colleagues on this site could help you more, good luck.

Question 7

can iron overload be acquired?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Certain beers in the tropics caused iron load. So even in patients that did not have hemochromatosis did not develop iron overload. Also, patients with history of multiple blood transfusions can also develop iron overload.

There was a famous bantu beer. Most patients cannnot get iron overload unless they have the genes.

Question 8

what should i expect from iron overload?

Accepted Answer

Lots : Liver problems, heart disease, muscle disorders, brain problems, kidney  disease.  If you have iron overload, please get it treated as soon as you can. Not a nice thing to have.

Question 9

what are some of the symptoms of iron overload?

Accepted Answer

Hemachromatosis: Iron overload or hemachromatosis hs following symptoms
abdominal pain, fatigue, generalised darkening of skin colour, joint pains, lack of energy, loss of body hair, loss of sex desire, weakness.

Question 10

how common is iron overload/hemochromatosis?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: It is impossible to say as there are many causes for iron overlaid and even hhc.  For the  common c282y homozygotes it has been approximated to be 0.44% in caucasian populations.

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Doctor answers about:

Iron overload genetics

A member asked:

How can i know if i have iron overload/hemochromatosis? what tests should be performed? i hear that there is a dna genetic test kit for hemochromatosis, is that true?

A member asked:

What is iron overload, hemochromatosis?

A member asked:

What iron levels are considered "suspicious" for iron overload/hemochromatosis?

A member asked:

Is there a treatment for iron overload?

A member asked:

What foods are good for the liver during iron overload?

A member asked:

If there is a drug i can take for iron overload, wouldn't it be better to use that, instead of giving blood all of the time?

A member asked:

Can iron overload be acquired?

A member asked:

What should i expect from iron overload?

A member asked:

What are some of the symptoms of iron overload?

A member asked:

How common is iron overload/hemochromatosis?

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