Biohacker Bryan Johnson says his stomach is eating itself. Know about the rare disease

Bryan Johnson said tests and stomach biopsies confirmed he has autoimmune gastritis. The incurable condition has been linked to his long-running low iron levels and now requires ongoing monitoring.

In Short

• Years of chronically low ferritin prompted deeper medical investigations into Johnson's health
• Blood tests, endoscopy and biopsies confirmed immune cells were damaging his stomach
• The condition reduces absorption of nutrients including iron and vitamin B12

Tech entrepreneur and longevity enthusiast Bryan Johnson, known for spending millions of dollars each year in an effort to slow ageing, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable autoimmune disease called Autoimmune gastritis.

The 48-year-old shared the news on social media, saying, "My stomach is eating itself," after years of unexplained low iron levels led doctors to investigate further.

Johnson, who has become famous for his strict anti-ageing routine and intensive health monitoring, said the diagnosis came after extensive blood tests, endoscopy and stomach biopsies confirmed that his immune system was attacking the lining of his stomach.

WHAT IS AUTOIMMUNE GASTRITIS?

Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the stomach lining.

Over time, this damages the stomach, making it harder to absorb important nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12.

The condition often develops slowly and may not cause obvious symptoms in its early stages.

However, untreated AIG can lead to iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, anaemia and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

HOW WAS IT DETECTED?

Johnson said he had been living with chronically low ferritin, a marker of the body's iron stores, for years despite following a carefully monitored diet and lifestyle.

Further investigations eventually confirmed autoimmune gastritis as the underlying cause.

He has since started receiving iron infusions and plans to closely monitor his condition using regular blood tests and other medical investigations.

CAN IT BE CURED?

There is currently no cure for autoimmune gastritis. Treatment focuses on managing nutritional deficiencies, monitoring for complications and preventing further damage.

Johnson acknowledged that conventional medicine considers the condition incurable but said he hopes to explore new approaches through his ongoing biohacking research while continuing regular medical care.

- Ends