Iron and Hep C cirrhosis

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

I have a patient with Hep C who has recently been diagnosed with

cirrhosis - with all the problems that this implies.

She has recently been in hospital due to bleeding oesophageal varices,

and consequently her Hb level is low - she did have a transfusion

which helped somewhat, but she is now wondering whether there is

anything else she can do.

I have read that Iron supplements are contraindicated in cirrhosis, as

it can damage the liver - but what about iron-rich foods, or floradix?

Would they have the same overburdening effect on the liver? and

would her case be different anyway, as she has suffered great blood loss?

I am giving her a glycerite for her liver and other problems (long

history of depression, insomnia) of the following: Carduus, Tarax rad,

Hypericum, , Curcuma, and a separate one of Passiflora and Vib

op for her insomnia.

Grateful for any help!

Langford