How to Reduce Iron Intake With Hep C

Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that infects and attacks the liver. Chronic liver disease occurs in about 85 percent of people with hepatitis C. Iron is stored in the liver and may reach toxic levels in hepatitis C patients due to inefficient elimination. Accumulated iron may lead to liver damage or cause problems in other organs. Moreover, high serum iron levels have been linked to a reduced response rate to interferon, a primary treatment for hepatitis C. For these reasons, some hepatitis C patients need to reduce their daily intake of iron.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter vitamin supplement without iron

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Have blood work done to determine if you are currently suffering from excessive iron levels. If so, you may require treatment in addition to dietary restriction of iron.

• 2

  Monitor the amount of red meat and liver you eat. These foods are naturally high in iron. Ask your doctor whether you should eliminate red meat from your diet completely or just reduce the amount you eat.

• 3

  Watch for hidden dietary sources of iron. Many foods, including cereals, are fortified with iron. You may take in considerably more iron than you are aware of unless you read product labels carefully when shopping.

• 4

  Stop taking vitamin and mineral supplements that contain iron. Products are available in grocery stores and pharmacies that can provide you with other important nutrients without increasing your daily iron intake.

• 5

  Avoid cooking with iron-coated utensils and pans. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a significant amount of iron can leech into your food from skillets and other items used during cooking.