Hepcidin, Inflammation and Iron: The Missing Piece

One of the most misunderstood aspects of iron deficiency is the role of hepcidin.

What is hepcidin?

Hepcidin is a hormone produced by the liver that acts as the body’s iron gatekeeper. Its role is to regulate:

• How much iron is absorbed from the gut

• How much iron is released from storage

When hepcidin is high, iron absorption and release are actively blocked.

What raises hepcidin?

Hepcidin increases in response to:

• Oral iron doses

• Inflammation

• Infection

• Chronic stress

This response is protective. Iron is highly reactive and can promote oxidative stress and microbial growth, so the body limits availability when it senses threat.

Iron deficiency with inflammation

This is why some people have:

• Low iron symptoms

• Poor response to supplements

• “Normal” or borderline ferritin levels

Despite low iron availability, the body is intentionally restricting iron movement — a phenomenon seen in anemia of inflammation.

The gut–hepcidin connection

Gut health plays a major role in iron regulation. Conditions such as:

• Helicobacter pylori infection

• Coeliac disease

• Chronic gut inflammation

can increase hepcidin and impair iron absorption by reducing stomach acid and increasing inflammatory signalling.

In these cases, iron levels may not improve until the underlying gut issue is addressed.

Why this matters clinically

If hepcidin remains elevated:

• Increasing iron dose won’t help

• Side effects are more likely

• Iron may remain trapped in storage rather than used

This is why a personalised, root-cause approach is essential when iron levels don’t respond as expected.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein, we are not diagnosing, treating, mitigating, or preventing any disease or medical condition. Before beginning any natural, integrative or conventional treatment, please seek advice from a qualified health practitioner.