Can Alcohol Cause Hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis can be a dangerous condition if not caught early. If left untreated, hemochromatosis can damage organs and increase your risk for heart failure, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. Learn about the link between hemochromatosis and alcohol, and how to get help.

What Is Hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis occurs when your body experiences “iron overload” because of issues with iron absorption. When working properly, your intestines only absorb the amount of iron your body needs from food. If you have hemochromatosis, your body takes in excessive iron, which can be toxic. The process that tells your body it has adequate iron levels and shouldn’t absorb more is compromised.

Hemochromatosis is a condition that can cause or worsen illnesses such as:

• Liver failure
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Liver cancer
• Cirrhosis
• Joint pain
• Osteoporosis

People with hemochromatosis are also more susceptible to developing diabetes due to the excess iron affecting insulin production.

Doctors have identified two types of hemochromatosis:

• Primary hemochromatosis — caused by gene mutations inherited from your parents
• Secondary hemochromatosis — caused by other diseases or conditions that increase iron levels

The primary form of hemochromatosis is also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, genetic hemochromatosis, and classic hemochromatosis. 

What Conditions Increase Your Risk for Hemochromatosis?

There are several conditions that can increase your risk for developing hemochromatosis. One of the most common is having a mutated gene from both of your parents, known as homozygous mutations. This means you have inherited two copies of either the C282Y or H63D mutation in the HFE gene. The HFE gene regulates iron absorption and mutations can wreck habits on your body’s ability to properly use it, resulting in hemochromatosis. If you inherit one copy of C282Y or H63D, you may experience mild hemochromatosis, but you can still pass the gene onto your children. 

In addition to genetic factors, certain diseases and conditions can also increase iron levels in the body and contribute to the development of hemochromatosis. Conditions that put you at higher risk for hemochromatosis include:

• Alcoholic liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Several blood transfusions
• Anemia
• Excessive iron in food intake
• Kidney failure
• Hepatitis B or C

Symptoms of Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis symptoms vary by individual. In fact, some people can carry the gene, but experience no symptoms.

Hemochromatosis symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint pain
• Stomach pain
• Problems focusing
• Diabetes
• Restlessness
• Impotence or loss of sex drive
• Mood changes
• Digestion problems
• Shortness of breath
• Sensitivity to cold or heat
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Swelling in the abdomen or legs

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can run blood tests and determine if you have hemochromatosis or another underlying condition.

The Link Between Hemochromatosis and Alcohol

Studies have shown that alcohol abusers are at higher risk for hemochromatosis and other liver conditions. It’s often difficult to distinguish between hemochromatosis and alcoholic liver disease because they share similar symptoms.

The specific reasons why high alcohol consumption increases the risk of hemochromatosis is still under research. It’s likely due to the way alcohol can suppress hepcidin, a hormone that regulates your body’s absorption of iron. This can lead to a faster progression of the disease and worsen symptoms. 

Alcohol intake can also enhance disease expression of the C282Y gene. This is one of the genes attributed to hereditary hemochromatosis. Patients with hereditary hemochromatosis are advised to avoid any alcohol.