Supplement-driven iron overload accelerates phenotypic aging via inflammatory biomarkers: Potential counteraction through anti-inflammatory or antioxidant diets

作者：Bin Li, Ming Zhu, Yina Wang, Yingfeng Zhang, Runyi Zhou, Can Zhang, Yue Wu, Guoliang Wang, Hongquan Xie, Ying Li, Ran Li · 发表于：Redox Biology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.redox.2025.103733 · 被引用次数：9 · 研究领域：Iron Metabolism and Disorders、Nutrition and Health in Aging、Nutritional Studies and Diet

Given the dual effects of iron on health, we carried out this study to explore its relationship with phenotypic age (PhenoAge) and to evaluate the roles of inflammation and oxidative stress in this regard. Since these associations are still poorly understood, elucidating them is vital for understanding aging-related health outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted using NHANES 2017-2018 data, involving 8692 participants aged 20 years or older. The nonlinear relationships between iron intake and PhenoAge acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) were assessed using weighted restricted cubic splines (RCS). Multivariable-adjusted analyses were performed using weighted generalized linear models (GLMs). K-means clustering was employed to identify patterns of iron co-exposure. Interaction effects were assessed using likelihood ratio tests, while mediation analyses were conducted to quantify the contributions of inflammation and oxidative stress markers. This study identified a U-shaped relationship between total iron intake and PhenoAgeAccel (breakpoint: 18.441 mg/day). Below this threshold, higher iron intake was protective against aging (β = -0.126); above it, aging accelerated (β = 0.021). Notably, dietary iron derived solely from food was not associated with any harmful effects on aging. In contrast, supplemental iron intake showed a positive association with PhenoAgeAccel (β = 0.017), highlighting the potential risks of excessive supplement use. Moreover, the aforementioned associati...