I would even consider seeing a new doctor. As it might not be a vegan-related issue.
Yeah hemochromatosis is an iron overload - maybe go to a different doctor and get a second opinion. Most commonly vegans have issues getting their iron to a high enough level.
Mmm. My mum has this condition so she has to reduce her red meat consumption and get blood drawn regularly. Have you noticed any other symptoms?
As Maggie said, see a new doctor and see find out why your iron levels are so high. High levels of iron are dangerous in terms of developing arthritis, diabetes and even cirrhosis!
I believe this happens quite often, we as vegans eat much more vitamin C and so we absorb iron better if eating a balanced diet.
Maybe you are not eating enough foods / vitamins that use up the iron?
i tried to do a search but i cant work out how to put it in! I recommend seeing a naturapath and ask them what foods use up more iron?
Also: according to this website: http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm
Both calcium and tannins (found in tea and coffee) reduce iron absorption.
so maybe try drinking some tea while you eat?
Hey I'm new to this but I have a problem. I have recently had a blood test and my iron levels were very high and I am taking no iron tablets which the doctor said may be the cause. Before this I was feeling great but now I have no energy and can't concentrate. I'm just very confused why I have so much iron. If anyone could help I would really appreciate it. I don't think that what the doctor said "the human body is not made to be vegan" IS ONE BIT TRUE!
That is strange. I actually have the same problem. I took supplements for years while i was a vegan. During a routine blood test i found out that my iron and protein levels are too high, the doctor suggested a Vegan diet, lol. I'm not sure what causes it, i stopped taking the supplements 2 years ago but my levels are still very high.
It's not unusual at all.
Hemochromatosis is not uncommon and as it's a genetic issue you're plant based diet isn't going to be a reason for you not to develop it.
Further, we know that vegans have the same, if not higher levels of iron in their diet. It's a myth that they it's harder to get iron on a vegan diet which is based on the heme theory. Basically the iron in meat is heme (blood) bound so it's absorbed through your digestive system MUCH easier.
However... Most research indicates that your body adapts within three months to non-heme iron sources and absorption is just below that of heme iron. And then equal, if not higher, if you include something like vitamin C (it makes the iron soluble instead of insoluble in your digestive system which is all heme iron really is in the first place).
So yes...
If you're a long-term vegan eating a balanced diet with a genetic predisposition to Hemochromatosis then iron overload isn't out there at all.
Well, since your screen name is T and you have no picture, I can't tell if you're male or female, but the haemochromatosis that MissMonster mentioned is only expressed in men. Women can only be carriers of the condition.
