Longevity entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has announced he is living with autoimmune gastritis (AIG), an "incurable" condition where the body's immune system attacks the stomach lining. Johnson, who has publicly detailed extensive spending on anti-aging therapies, suggested his illness may stem from past chronic stress and an unhealthy lifestyle.
One of the earliest indicators of his condition, Johnson explained on social media, was low ferritin levels, which are indicative of the body's stored iron. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and energy production, and insufficient levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. According to research cited in JAMA Network Open, approximately one in four Americans may have inadequate iron intake or absorption. Menstruation is identified as the primary cause of iron deficiency and anemia globally, but for Johnson, the origin was not immediately apparent.
Johnson described AIG as difficult to diagnose, noting that low ferritin levels are often overlooked if anemia has not yet developed. "That blind spot is what hid mine for a decade," he stated.
Iron is typically sourced from lean meats and seafood, though supplementation is often recommended. Johnson found that oral iron supplements, even with various formulations, did not improve his low iron levels. His team later identified the issue as threefold: AIG impairs the cells responsible for stomach acid production, thus reducing the body's capacity to absorb iron. This deficiency was linked to an accompanying autoimmune thyroid disease, creating a cycle where low iron hinders active thyroid hormone conversion, and an underactive thyroid affects iron utilization.
Following his diagnosis, Johnson has begun receiving iron infusions, a treatment that delivers iron directly. His team plans ongoing monitoring of his ferritin and iron levels. Johnson urged his followers to prioritize their health, cautioning that undiagnosed issues could worsen with unhealthy lifestyle choices.