Bryan Johnson, the American entrepreneur and biohacker behind the Blueprint longevity project, said he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis, a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the stomach lining.
Johnson said the disease had been developing unnoticed for years. According to People, the only warning sign was persistently low iron levels that failed to improve despite a healthy diet and extensive vitamin supplementation. Doctors ultimately identified the condition after conducting a comprehensive evaluation, including a stomach biopsy.
Further testing confirmed that Johnson’s immune system was attacking his stomach cells, leading to the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis.
Disease often goes undetected
Autoimmune gastritis can impair the body’s ability to absorb iron and vitamin B12, potentially causing anemia and increasing the risk of stomach cancer. The condition often produces few or no symptoms, allowing it to go undetected for years.
A longtime advocate of longevity research
Johnson, 48, is known for his efforts to slow the aging process through his Blueprint project, under which he spends millions of dollars each year on medical screenings, diet, exercise, supplements and experimental health interventions.
He previously drew widespread attention for participating in an experiment involving transfusions of blood plasma from his son, although he later discontinued the practice.
Johnson has said he believes his health problems stem from his younger years, when he regularly ate fast food, drank sugary soft drinks, experienced chronic workplace stress and struggled with depression.
Experts question Johnson’s theory
Some independent physicians have expressed skepticism about Johnson’s explanation.
Rupert Leong, a gastroenterologist, suggested that the condition may instead be related to Johnson’s years of intensive and sometimes controversial self-experimentation. Johnson has previously reported taking dozens of supplements daily while following a highly restrictive diet aimed at extending his lifespan.
There is currently no cure for autoimmune gastritis. Standard treatment focuses on managing symptoms and correcting vitamin deficiencies.
Johnson said he does not intend to stop experimenting. He plans to test emerging therapies, including engineered proteins designed to target the immune cells attacking his stomach. He said he will share the results of those experiments publicly through his social media channels.
