It is suggested that the combination of alcohol and HCV accelerates the progression of liver disease. Therefore, patients with HCV would be unwise to drink alcohol in excess, and total avoidance of all alcohol intake is recommended. The liver plays an important role in the metabolism of iron since it is the primary organ in the body that stores this metal. The average American diet contains about 10-20 mg of iron per day. Patients with chronic HCV sometimes have an increase in the iron concentration in the liver.
Excess iron can be very damaging to the liver.
Studies suggest that high iron levels reduce the response rate of patients with HCV to interferon. Thus, patients with chronic HCV whose serum iron level is elevated, or who have cirrhosis, should avoid taking iron supplements. In overweight patients with a fatty liver who subsequently lose weight, liver related abnormalities improve. Therefore, patients with chronic HCV are advised to maintain normal weight. For those who are overweight, it is crucial to start a prudent exercise routine and a low fat, well balanced, weight reducing diet.