The present invention provides a class of porphyrins and metal chelated porphyrins for use as inhibitors of heme iron uptake. The porphyrin/metal chelated porphyrin molecules of the invention are tetra-positively charged porphyrins based on meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphines. Several such agents are shown herein to cause inhibition of iron uptake in vivo and in vitro. The invention further provides therapeutic compositions including the porphyrins and/or metalloporphyrins of the invention. In addition, methods of inhibition of heme iron uptake in vivo are taught, as well as methods of treatment of diseases characterized by iron-overload. These methods include the administration of a porphyrin or metalloporphyrin in a therapeutic composition of the invention to prevent uptake of heme iron, thus preventing replenishment of a patient's iron stores.