Longevity influencer and biohacker Bryan Johnson revealed last week that he is suffering from a chronic autoimmune condition called autoimmune gastritis (AIG). Sharing the news on X, Johnson said that his "stomach is eating itself."
"I'm going to try and solve it. Will share all," he added.
He said that the condition develops silently over the years and causes irreversible damage to the lining of the stomach. In May, Johnson was diagnosed with low ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside the cells for years.
According to Emeka Okeke, an immunologist and assistant professor of biology at Northeastern University, the etiology is unknown for most of the autoimmune diseases. What is known is that the environment and the genetic factors indicate the susceptibility of the individual, Okeke told Northeastern Global News. Okeke also said that Johnson’s illness is not fatal, but it does not have a cure. It could also lead to a long-term risk of developing stomach cancer.
What is autoimmune gastritis?
Autoimmune gastritis is a long-lasting inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of the stomach. It is estimated that between 0.5% and 4.5% of adults globally are affected by autoimmune gastritis. The body produces antibodies, known as autoantibodies, which target the acid-secreting cells that affect the stomach lining. The signs of autoimmune gastritis can be vague. It is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Many patients may not receive a diagnosis until the later stages of the condition.
How is autoimmune gastritis treated?
According to PubMed Central, autoimmune gastritis is primarily managed through parenteral (injectable) replacements. Oral supplements are not a widely chosen option because hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) and loss of intrinsic factors make the oral absorption of nutrients unreliable.
The two main components are B12 replacement and iron replacement. Both of these are done through injection because of the improper absorption of oral B12 and iron. Some neurological damage may be permanent if the deficiency was severe or long-standing.
The combined deprivation of B12 and iron can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, hair loss, or sleep disorders. Prolonged B12 deficiency can cause neurologic symptoms, including changes in cognitive function and mood disorders, sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathies. These symptoms can be treated with parenteral B12. But the treatment can take months or even years to be fully resolved.
Current treatment approaches have a notable gap beyond B12 and iron replacement. Conventional treatment has not yet addressed the replacement of the lost stomach acid itself. Diagnosis and monitoring for complications (like neuroendocrine tumours via endoscopy) typically accompany the treatment.
