Systemic iron reduction by venesection alters the gut microbiome in patients with haemochromatosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Iron reduction by venesection has been the cornerstone of treatment for haemochromatosis for decades, and its reported health benefits are many. Repeated phlebotomy can lead to a compensatory increase in intestinal iron absorption, reducing intestinal iron availability. Given that most gut bacteria are highly dependent on iron for survival, we postulated that, by reducing gut iron levels, venesection could alter the gut microbiota.

Methods

Clinical parameters, faecal bacterial composition and metabolomes were assessed before and during treatment in a group of patients with haemochromatosis undergoing iron reduction therapy.

Results

Systemic iron reduction was associated with an alteration of the gut microbiome, with changes evident in those who exper

SUBMITTER: Parmanand B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7516344 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature