Genetic Component to Iron Overload for Hemochromatosis

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Connie (utah) on 12/05/2021:
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I don't have classic hemochromatosis, but there is some genetic component to my iron overload.

Researchers are finding more SNPs that induce increased iron uptake. It's essential and used to be more scarce. Now it's everywhere, and excessive. Many people still appear to be anemic, but not for lack of iron, it's actually iron dyshomeostasis.

My family history is : Mother died of cirrhosis, though she didn't drink much. Father, like Mother was hyperpigmented.

He was often ill and with stiff joints, with heart disease. Brother and Sister died from heart arrhythmia.

We all had fatigue except Mom.

I had an iron panel 6 yrs. ago, and iron overload was indicated. I've been wary of iron since the '80's, because I read it was a growth factor for cancer. I was surprised to see it elevated.

My good news is that iron regulation can help others, possibly, manage their own overload or anemia. The differences are that some substances regulate iron, and some chelate or lower uptake.

-Copper glycinate is my number one supplement for iron regulation. Most of what we know about it is that is enhances iron uptake, but it also regulates it, high or low.

I take a 2.5 mg. of copper glycinate daily. I've tried less, but feel worse.

Many Hemochromatosis sited and even researchers malign copper, stating that it only increases iron uptake, and is toxic. There are also researchers who've shown that copper enzymes will balance iron stores. It works for me.

-The B vitamins are involved with iron homeostasis. Their enzymes regulate it, as it will accumulate without them.

-Active vitamin A also regulates iron. It's necessary for ceruloplasmin formation, along with copper. Ceruloplasmin is an antimicrobial, antinflammatory, etc. protein that regulates iron.

-Lactoferrin is an iron binding protein that is involved with iron regulation, high or low. I take an apo-lactoferrin, without iron for its chelation properties. I take it off and on

-Zinc is essential, and has an antagonistic relationship to iron. Too much zinc can inhibit iron uptake. I take 5-7mgs. daily.

- Calcium inhibits iron uptake, both heme. and nonheme. if taken with iron foods and in higher quantities. Disturbed iron metabolism can in turn disturb calcium balance. I take calcium throughout the day for a total of 1,300 mgs., food and supps.

Coffee, Tea inhibit iron uptake. R- lipoic acid chelates iron. Wheatgrass has been shown to chelate iron. I don't know about cabbage, but I believe these folks. Curcumin in turmeric chelates iron.

I do better with a lower animal foods diet, but still have them.

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