Iron Deficiencies in Blood Identified as Key Trigger of Long COVID, New Research Shows
A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Cambridge has revealed a significant breakthrough in understanding the causes of long COVID. The research has identified iron deficiencies in the blood as a major trigger for the condition, shedding light on the debilitating symptoms experienced by many individuals long after their initial COVID-19 infection.
The study, published in Nature Immunology, found that low iron levels contributed to inflammation and anemia, leading to a halt in the production of healthy red blood cells in patients just two weeks after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Astonishingly, many of these individuals went on to develop long COVID within months, with symptoms including brain fog and a frightening loss of IQ.
According to the University of Cambridge, approximately three in 10 people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at risk of developing long COVID. This statistic aligns with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reports that nearly 3 million Americans receive treatment for anemia or iron deficiency.
Co-author of the study, Hal Drakesmith, explained the mechanism behind iron deficiencies in COVID-19 patients. “When the body has an infection, it responds by removing iron from the bloodstream. This protects us from potentially lethal bacteria that capture the iron and grow rapidly,” he said. “It’s an evolutionary response that redistributes iron in the body, and the blood plasma becomes an iron desert.”
Drakesmith further highlighted that prolonged iron deficiency leads to inefficient oxygen transportation throughout the body, negatively impacting metabolism and energy production. The research analyzed blood samples over a year and discovered similar patterns in both severe and mild COVID cases.
Dr. Aimee Hanson, another researcher involved in the study, emphasized that although the body attempts to rectify low iron availability and anemia by producing more red blood cells, it struggles to do so effectively in the face of ongoing inflammation. This explains why iron levels take a long time to recover, particularly in individuals who later report long COVID symptoms.
The findings of this study have significant implications for the treatment of long COVID. Experts, including Dr. Hanson, are now considering a new approach that focuses on controlling aggressive inflammation as quickly as possible to minimize the impact on iron levels. Rather than simply providing iron supplements, the aim is to remobilize the trapped iron and return it to the bloodstream, where it can be more effectively utilized by red blood cells.
This breakthrough research opens up new avenues for understanding and managing long COVID. By addressing iron deficiencies in the blood, medical professionals may be able to alleviate the debilitating symptoms experienced by those affected by this condition. As further studies are conducted, it is hoped that innovative treatments will emerge, offering hope and relief to individuals battling the long-term effects of COVID-19.
