It is not possible to treat GH with a low iron diet. A nutritional natural diet is recommended - the graph on the right illustrates the iron content of a sample of foods, average weekly intake and the amount of iron removed in each treatment. We make the following recommendations:

+ Avoid vitamin supplements or tonics containing iron, and breakfast cereals heavily fortified with iron. Large doses of vitamin C should also be avoided, as it makes the process of depositing iron in some organs easier and enhances the absorption of iron from the diet.

+ Reduce intake of offal (liver, kidney etc.) and red meat. The rate of iron absorption from red meat is 20 to 30% whereas vegetables and grains have less iron and a 1 to 20% rate of absorption.

+ Minimise alcohol intake, particularly with meals, as it may increase iron absorption and it can also cause liver disease. Tea and all milk products taken with a meal reduce the amount of iron absorbed.