The FastDay Forum

Hi people,

Saw this rather interesting article praising high Bilirubin which I've always thought in my ignorance was a possible sign of poor kidney function. Just wondered if any of our fabulous resident nerdies can offer comment?

http://www.longecity.org/forum/topic/41 ... ermittent/

thanks

Very interesting but I am unable to contribute anything helpful. Like you, I would value a nerdy opinion,

Ballerina x

I'll be very interested to see what the nerds have to say on this subject. My bilirubin is on the high side as is my haemoglobin. My sister is the same . We've both been tested for haemochromatosis as a cousin has it. I'm a carrier, my sister is not. It would be most pleasing if this turns out to be a good thing rather than a slightly worrying anomaly!

High levels of bilirubin are often a sign of liver disease (or other associated diseases like pancreatic cancer) but in the absence of that - as has been pointed out - bilirubin is a potent antioxidant and high levels have been associated with a number of health benefits. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of haeme which is found in haemoglobin in red blood cells so if you have higher levels of haemoglobin it is not necessarily surprising that you have higher levels of bilirubin.

Just as an aside the yellow colour in bruises is caused by blilrubin. I was unaware of increased levels with IF so that is interesting.

Brendabell - Thanks for posting the link, all very interesting. Looks to me like the discussion on your link answers your qus.

Downside of high bilirubin appears to be risk of gallstones. Upsides appear to be there if you're a white mid-upper socioeconomic male, in terms of reduced risk of atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. As ever, looks to me like more studies are required before drawing conclusions.

High levels of bilirubin are often a sign of liver disease (or other associated diseases like pancreatic cancer) but in the absence of that - as has been pointed out - bilirubin is a potent antioxidant and high levels have been associated with a number of health benefits.

My liver tests are normal as is everything else except slightly raised cholesterol. I was aware of the relationship of haemoglobin with bilirubin but slightly puzzled as to why my haemoglobin was high in the first place. Neither my sister or I are big meat eaters. I guess it's something quirky in our genetics.