Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 21, 2026 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers from the University of Belgrade are warning that iron deficiency could quietly increase the risk of dangerous heart and blood vessel complications in people infected with COVID-19 or influenza. Their new findings suggest that low iron levels may help these viruses invade critical cells in the body more easily, potentially leading to blood clots, myocarditis, and irregular heart rhythms.
Scientists warn that low iron levels may worsen COVID-19 and influenza complications involving the heart and blood vessels
How Iron Deficiency May Help Viruses Spread
Iron deficiency affects nearly two billion people worldwide, especially older adults, women, and young children. The Serbian researchers discovered that low iron levels can increase the production of a protein called transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1). Both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and influenza viruses use this receptor to enter human cells.
TfR1 is heavily found on heart muscle cells and the cells lining blood vessels. When iron deficiency causes the body to produce more TfR1, it may unintentionally create more “entry points” for viruses. This
Medical News report highlights growing concerns that iron deficiency could make severe viral complications far more likely.
Increased Risks of Heart Damage and Blood Clots
The study explains that greater viral entry into heart cells may contribute to viral myocarditis, a dangerous inflammation of the heart muscle. This condition can weaken the heart and trigger atrial fibrillation, a rapid and irregular heartbeat linked to stroke and heart failure.
Researchers also warned that TfR1 may play a direct role in forming dangerous arterial and venous blood clots. These clots can block blood flow to the lungs, brain, or heart, causing life-threatening emergencies.
Conclusions
The researchers believe doctors should pay closer attention to iron deficiency in patients with COVID-19 or influenza infections. Early detection and correction of low iron levels could potentially reduce severe cardiovascular complications, especially among vulnerable populations already at higher risk of viral illness and clotting disorders.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Cardiovascular Toxicology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-026-10128-5
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