Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Bryan Johnson's Autoimmune Gastritis Sheds Light On Iron Deficiency In Americans

<span>Bryan Johnson</span>, the billionaire biohacker and longevity enthusiast, has been diagnosed with an incurable <span>autoimmune disease</span> called <span>Autoimmune Gastritis</span> (AIG).

Johnson is known for his radical longevity experiments, including measuring the biological age of his organs in an effort to reverse aging, injecting himself with ketamine, taking over 50 pills a day, undergoing fat transfers, and receiving blood transfusions from his teenage son.

In a recent post on X, he made the shocking announcement of his autoimmune conditions, which went undetected for years: Autoimmune Gastritis.

Calling it "bad news," Johnson wrote: "I have an autoimmune disease. My stomach is eating itself."

"2-5 per cent of people have this, too. Likely more, because it hides," he added.

According to Johnson, his stomach had been attacking itself without causing noticeable symptoms. The condition was only discovered in May.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/bryan-johnson-blames-sugary-cereals-soda-and-stress-for-his-autoimmune-disease-shares-treatment-plan-article-154920129" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bryan Johnson Blames Sugary Cereals, Soda and Stress for His Autoimmune Disease; Shares Treatment Plan</a>

<h2>The Early Warning Sign: Low Ferritin</h2>

Autoimmune Gastritis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the stomach's acid-producing cells, also impairs the absorption of iron and vitamin B12.

Johnson said one of the earliest signs of the condition was persistently low ferritin levels over the past 11 years despite not having anemia.

"We continually tried to raise my iron levels with food and supplementation, but nothing would work."

He said he followed a plant-based diet, trained intensely, used a sauna and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and took iron supplements, yet his iron levels remained low.

Ferritin stores the body's iron. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen and producing energy, and low iron levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

Johnson said autoimmune gastritis is difficult to diagnose because its earliest clue is often overlooked.

"The earliest clue, low ferritin, is the one standard medicine waves through. Low iron stores get normalized and rarely investigated at all when anemia hasn't shown up yet. That blind spot is what hid mine for a decade."

While initially it wasn't clear why his iron levels were continuously dipping, after further testing, Johnson's team identified three interconnected issues.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/bryan-johnson-battles-autoimmune-gastritis-which-parts-of-his-longevity-guide-are-actually-worth-copying-article-154948851" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bryan Johnson Battles Autoimmune Gastritis: Which Parts Of His Longevity Guide Are Actually Worth Copying?</a> 

Autoimmune Gastritis was preventing normal iron absorption by damaging the stomach cells that produce acid. He also discovered autoimmune thyroid disease.

"The <span>iron deficiency</span>, the autoimmune gastritis driving it, and the autoimmune thyroid disease alongside it. Iron and thyroid feed each other both ways; low iron impairs the conversion of thyroid hormone into its active form, and an underactive thyroid impairs how the body uses iron," Johnson explained.

<h2>Iron Deficiency May Be More Common Than Many Realize</h2>

Bryan Johnson Beat Ageing… But Missed This Silent Disease #shorts #shortsfeeds

According to research published in JAMA Network Open, about one in four Americans may have inadequate iron intake or absorption.

As per the study of more than 8,000 Americans, 14 per cent of adults had absolute iron deficiency, reflecting depleted iron stores. 

Even after excluding common causes such as anemia, pregnancy, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, 11 per cent remained iron deficient. Another 15 per cent had functional iron deficiency, where iron levels appear normal but the body cannot use the mineral effectively.

<h2>How Bryan Johnson Is Managing The Condition</h2>

You Live In A Body That Can Heal Itself: Barbara O'Neill

Since receiving the diagnosis, Johnson has begun iron infusions, which deliver a full dose of iron in a single treatment.

He said his team will continue routine monitoring of his ferritin and iron levels.

Johnson ended his post with a warning that hidden health conditions can go unnoticed for years.

"You too may have a lurking health issue that is undiagnosed and could increase in severity from unhealthy life choices, without your knowing… A gentle nudge that minding your health, no matter your situation in life, is a good decision-making."

Health Conditions A-Z

health

bryan-johnsons-autoimmune-gastritis-sheds-light-on-iron-deficiency-in-americans

Bryan Johnson

Autoimmune Gastritis

Iron Deficiency In Americans

Bryan Johnson Autoimmune Gastritis

bryan johnson Low Ferritin

Iron Deficiency

autoimmune disease

want-healthier-lungs-add-more-kale-and-spinach-to-your-plate-suggests-study

Want Healthier Lungs? Add More Kale And Spinach To Your Plate, Suggests Study

anti-inflammatory-diet-may-help-lower-dementia-risk-even-in-those-who-show-early-signs-of-alzheimers-study

Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Help Lower Dementia Risk, Even In Those Who Show Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s: Study

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Bryan Johnson, the billionaire biohacker and longevity enthusiast, has been diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease called Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG).Johnson is known for his radical longevity experiments, including measuring the biological age of his organs in an effort to reverse aging, injecting himself with ketamine, taking over 50 pills a day, undergoing fat transfers, and receiving blood transfusions from his teenage son.In a recent post on X, he made the shocking announcement of his autoimmune conditions, which went undetected for years: Autoimmune Gastritis. Calling it "bad news," Johnson wrote: "I have an autoimmune disease. My stomach is eating itself.""2-5 per cent of people have this, too. Likely more, because it hides," he added.According to Johnson, his stomach had been attacking itself without causing noticeable symptoms. The condition was only discovered in May.Also read: Bryan Johnson Blames Sugary Cereals, Soda and Stress for His Autoimmune Disease; Shares Treatment PlanThe Early Warning Sign: Low FerritinAutoimmune Gastritis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the stomach's acid-producing cells, also impairs the absorption of iron and vitamin B12.Johnson said one of the earliest signs of the condition was persistently low ferritin levels over the past 11 years despite not having anemia."We continually tried to raise my iron levels with food and supplementation, but nothing would work."He said he followed a plant-based diet, trained intensely, used a sauna and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and took iron supplements, yet his iron levels remained low.Ferritin stores the body's iron. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen and producing energy, and low iron levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.Johnson said autoimmune gastritis is difficult to diagnose because its earliest clue is often overlooked."The earliest clue, low ferritin, is the one standard medicine waves through. Low iron stores get normalized and rarely investigated at all when anemia hasn't shown up yet. That blind spot is what hid mine for a decade."While initially it wasn't clear why his iron levels were continuously dipping, after further testing, Johnson's team identified three interconnected issues.Read More: Bryan Johnson Battles Autoimmune Gastritis: Which Parts Of His Longevity Guide Are Actually Worth Copying? Autoimmune Gastritis was preventing normal iron absorption by damaging the stomach cells that produce acid. He also discovered autoimmune thyroid disease."The iron deficiency, the autoimmune gastritis driving it, and the autoimmune thyroid disease alongside it. Iron and thyroid feed each other both ways; low iron impairs the conversion of thyroid hormone into its active form, and an underactive thyroid impairs how the body uses iron," Johnson explained.Iron Deficiency May Be More Common Than Many RealizeAccording to research published in JAMA Network Open, about one in four Americans may have inadequate iron intake or absorption.As per the study of more than 8,000 Americans, 14 per cent of adults had absolute iron deficiency, reflecting depleted iron stores. Even after excluding common causes such as anemia, pregnancy, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, 11 per cent remained iron deficient. Another 15 per cent had functional iron deficiency, where iron levels appear normal but the body cannot use the mineral effectively.How Bryan Johnson Is Managing The Condition   Since receiving the diagnosis, Johnson has begun iron infusions, which deliver a full dose of iron in a single treatment.He said his team will continue routine monitoring of his ferritin and iron levels.Johnson ended his post with a warning that hidden health conditions can go unnoticed for years."You too may have a lurking health issue that is undiagnosed and could increase in severity from unhealthy life choices, without your knowing… A gentle nudge that minding your health, no matter your situation in life, is a good decision-making."

bryan johnson's autoimmune gastritis sheds light on iron deficiency in americans

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Bryan Johnson's Autoimmune Gastritis Sheds Light On Iron Deficiency In Americans

Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Help Lower Dementia Risk, Even In Those Who Show Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s: Study

Can Changes In Daily Activities Signal Early Parkinson's? Understanding The Link Before Symptoms Begin

World Zoonoses Day 2026: ICMR Scientist Shares Key Steps To Prevent Future Pandemics

Health Conditions A-Z

Bryan Johnson's Autoimmune Gastritis Sheds Light On Iron Deficiency In Americans

Want Healthier Lungs? Add More Kale And Spinach To Your Plate, Suggests Study

Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Help Lower Dementia Risk, Even In Those Who Show Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s: Study