What Is the Connection Between Hemochromatosis and Diet?

High iron diet, massive blood transfusions or systemic diseases cause excessive iron accumulation in the body and diseases caused by impaired iron metabolism.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a disease caused by impaired iron metabolism due to excessive iron accumulation in the body caused by high iron diets, large blood transfusions, or systemic diseases. Occurs in middle-aged men and rarely in women. The skin is bronze or grayish black, and occurs mainly on the face, upper limbs, back of hands, armpits, and perineum. Oral mucosa may have blue-grey or blue-black pigmented spots. Because iron is deposited in the liver, pancreas and other parts, which impairs its function, in addition to abnormal skin and mucous membrane stains, there are clinical manifestations of abnormal liver function and diabetes.

Causes of Hemochromatosis

High iron diet, massive blood transfusions or systemic diseases cause excessive iron accumulation in the body and diseases caused by impaired iron metabolism.

Hemochromatosis Pathogenesis

Due to iron deposits causing damage to the adrenal cortex, secretion of glucocorticoids is reduced, and the pituitary secretes excessive adrenocorticotropic hormones, which promotes melanocytes to secrete excessive melanin, leading to pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Clinical manifestations of hemochromatosis

1. Occurs in middle-aged men and rarely in women.

2. The skin is bronze or grayish black, which mainly occurs on the face, upper limbs, back of hands, armpits, and perineum.

3. Oral mucosa may have blue-grey or blue-black pigmented spots.

4. As iron deposits in the liver, pancreas and other parts and impairs its functions, in addition to abnormal skin and mucous membrane stains, there are also clinical manifestations of abnormal liver function and diabetes. ^[1]