Question

Can diet affect hepcidin levels?

Answer 1

Yes

Iron balance is mainly achieved by regulating the absorption of iron in the diet. As the iron stores in the body decreases, the absorption of iron from the diet rises and vice versa. Hepcidin synthesized in the liver is the central regulator of iron homeostasis and it controls absorption and storage. Hepcidin inhibits iron transfer from the enterocyte to plasma by binding to ferroportin. When hepticidin levels rise, iron gets stored within enterocytes forming mucosal ferritin and is shed with the cells.

Therefore, if the iron stores are more , then the iron in the diet will cause a decrease in hepcidin level.