AHS22

The role of iron in disease is widely underappreciated considering the body's absorption and management of iron highly influences one's susceptibility to, management of, and recovery from various categories of disease. Evolutionarily directed low iron status is protective against certain bacterial infections though can be problematic when it comes to allergies and asthma, protection against viral complications, and protection against bacterial infection when severely low. Systemic body inflammation in the presence of metabolic syndrome dysregulates iron in mimicry of chronic pathogen infection. Nearly all symptoms of "long covid" are the same as those of iron dysregulation, and perhaps not without reason. Nutrition and genetics are closely tied to iron status, and maintaining iron homeostasis is critical for optimal health in multiple respects.