If you have the haemochromatosis gene, there is little you can do to prevent iron build-up. However, there are steps you can take to minimise your intake of iron:
- reduce your consumption of red meat (such as beef and lamb) and avoid organ meat (such as liver, kidney and heart) – iron is much more readily absorbed from meat than from vegetables, cereals and beans
- avoid taking iron supplements and eating foods fortified with iron, such as breakfast cereals
- reduce the amount of vitamin C you consume, as this increases absorption of iron and helps it deposit in some organs
- avoid drinking too much alcohol, especially with meals, as this can increase iron absorption and cause liver disease - if you do have some degree of liver disease you may be recommended to avoid alcohol completely
- consume tea and dairy products with a meal to reduce the amount of iron absorbed
