hemochromatosis and gastric bypass...

Jun 01, 2010

I had this little thing itching in the back of my head for awhile, so off to the Internet I went.

My family has the genetic marker of hemochromatosis, which is too much iron in your blood.  The positive thing, I never needed iron supplements beyond prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.  I remember the stories my great aunt told us about our great uncle having to have blood drawn and thrown away (which makes a small child wonder "what the???").  She used to tell my mom, "If you want some for your roses, I can get it for you..." and she wasn't kidding.  The joke my boyfriend likes to tell is "Keep all magnets away from Brenda..."  Geez.

Anyhow, I did start to wonder, "Am I taking TOO MANY supplements?"  I also mentioned to the nutritionist that I have familial history of hemochromatosis, when she saw I already have high hemoglobin levels.  From what I have seen, the gastric bypass might actually help me NOT develop hemochromatosis, I saw three cases stated in a medical journal.  Upside, I may never have to take additional iron.  Downside, I doubt my roses will want my blood! 

I wasn't satisfied with my 90 minutes or so with the nutritionist, she did not seem to give me enough solid information regarding supplements.  One worry that I think is valid: Am I getting TOO MUCH of any one (or more) vitamin?  The adage, if a little is good, a lot is better does not ring true in this case.  So, I guess I may need to study more on blood levels, so I can intelligently journey through life with my innerds rearranged.

More to learn, but then again, it may also be more I can share ;)  Information is a crazy thing, the more I get, the more I want - I sure do miss the old days of going to the library! 

B  : )~

2 Comments