Managing iron overload through dietary modification: A case report

Abstract

Iron homeostasis is crucial for maintaining optimal health, as both iron deficiency and iron overload can result in significant clinical complications. This case report explores the therapeutic potential of dietary modification in managing iron overload through an individualized, temperament-based nutritional approach. A 35-year-old female presented with symptoms of hair loss and increased blood viscosity, with laboratory findings indicating elevated serum iron levels (48.7 µmol/L) and a high transferrin saturation (0.85). A tailored dietary intervention was initiated, focusing on reducing the intake of warming, desiccating foods and incorporating more hydrating and moistening dietary elements, including increased fluid intake and specific herbal teas. After one month, follow-up assessments revealed normalized serum iron levels (22.3 µmol/L), improved hemorheological parameters, and notable improvement in hair shedding, which coincided with the dietary changes. This case underscores the potential of personalized dietary strategies, grounded in traditional concepts of food temperament, as a non-pharmacological approach to correcting metabolic imbalances associated with iron overload. Future studies are recommended to investigate the efficacy of these dietary strategies.