Metabolism in a Case of Hemochromatosis

Meltzer,1in 1900, and Parker,2in 1903, suggested that the deposition of iron-containing pigment in the tissues in hemochromatosis was in part the result of faulty retention of iron. This view was given support in a more recent article edited by Garrod3in which Mackenzie Wallis stated that no iron was found in the feces, urine, or bile of a case of hemochromatosis while a slight increase in the iron content of the blood was present. Mackenzie Wallis was unable to carry out metabolism studies in his case, but he emphasized the importance of such work. Howard and Stevens4have recently reported the first accurate metabolism studies in this disease. Their publication gives an excellent discussion of what is known concerning its chemistry. In the report here presented additional metabolism studies on a case of hemochromatosis have been made. METHODS The patient was given the following diet: Food Mixture Milk