February 2011 PMID 21209396

Heme iron from meat and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and a review of the mechanisms involved.

Nadia M Bastide, Fabrice H F Pierre, Denis E Corpet

Mentions

83
Peak: 6 in Dec 2023
across 5 sources since Aug 2020

Extended reach

511,941
potential audience

Total likes

6,945

Video views

349,319

Mentions per month

Aug 2020 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter59 posts
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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects strong agreement on the carcinogenic potential of heme iron, emphasized through phrases like 'heme iron has a catalytic effect' and 'heme iron is linked to numerous diseases,' which illustrate a shared concern rooted in scientific evidence. The language and references to studies and authoritative reports increase the perceived credibility and imply a significant impact on public understanding and health decisions.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly agree that heme iron in meat is linked to increased cancer risk, citing studies, meta-analyses, and authoritative sources.

InterestHigh interest

The social discussions demonstrate high interest, with many participants referencing mechanistic details, research findings, and health implications.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many posts engage deeply with scientific mechanisms, cite specific studies, and debate regulatory aspects, showing substantial involvement.

ImpactHigh impact

The widespread consensus and detailed references suggest these discussions could influence opinions and health choices regarding meat consumption.

Abstract in brief

  • This text explains that eating red and processed meat, which contains heme iron, is linked to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially based on a large study involving over half a million people.
  • Experimental studies in rats suggest that heme iron from red meat may promote early cancerous changes in the colon, possibly through mechanisms like increasing harmful compounds such as N-nitroso chemicals and aldehydes, which can damage DNA and cells.
  • Although the exact way heme iron causes cancer isn't fully understood, it is believed to involve chemical reactions that produce carcinogenic substances, implying that limiting intake of red and processed meats might reduce colorectal cancer risk.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Soy Team Six
@KlontHeart · X

@TamarHaspel @GardnerPhD @KCKlatt Heme iron found in meat is associated with cancer https://t.co/NqUFc8w3l3

Feb 16, 2024 · 6 likes · 141 followers View post →
Josh Ⓥ
@s0yb0y_ · X

@rifrafrafael @rubertgoobert @bongxdylan https://t.co/s1leDRurFq Smart people can't change without education. You asked for it, and I want to help. Also, here is one of the best nutrition resources around. https://t.co/8H7qbaIObv

Jul 12, 2021 · 6 likes · 78 followers View post →
Philalethes Eirenaios
@e_philalethes · X

@cashandcarrots @RootCrimso71414 @sibaburck @fleroy1974 «[…] heme iron has a catalytic effect on (i) the endogenous formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds and (ii) the formation of cytotoxic and genotoxic aldehydes by lipoperoxidation. […] evidence suggests both pathways involved in heme iron toxicity.»https://t.co/CQe2JqujuG

Aug 23, 2025 · 4 likes · 411 followers View post →
The Paradigm Shift
@TheParadigmShif · X

@Seb_81_ @AlexaCo92055624 @NurseCanadian @joe31183 @StevieBaby1988 The Impossible burger contains plant based heme iron. Heme iron isn't essential. Iron is, which can be easily obtained from plants and other non-animal sources. There's also data which suggests heme iron is bad for you. Like here: https://t.co/5o7b1pmpjH

Jun 17, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,358 followers View post →
Aloominati
@_Aloominati_ · X

@IamthePatient1 @StThrobber @BarrySheerman Who said anything about questionnairs? Are you hallucinating. There is all kinds of scientific data proving heme iron is cancerous, epidemiological, experimental as well as mechanistic. But please keep fooling 0 IQ carnists looking for excuses. https://t.co/eI78XEvbPP

Jul 21, 2021 · 3 likes · 1,115 followers View post →
Winx stan
@Radhika_singhhh · X

Chup bsdk https://t.co/OttudVKjKG https://t.co/pdl6tArKe1 https://t.co/IEUtDRRLph

Dec 9, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 113 followers View post →

All mentions

BremerMusiktier
@musiktier · X

@StefanSkeptisch @nimuria @TichysEinblick https://t.co/mXaIcOzFJ9 https://t.co/60IciPt0aT

Nov 1, 2025 · 24 followers View post →
Philalethes Eirenaios
@e_philalethes · X

@cashandcarrots @RootCrimso71414 @sibaburck @fleroy1974 «[…] heme iron has a catalytic effect on (i) the endogenous formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds and (ii) the formation of cytotoxic and genotoxic aldehydes by lipoperoxidation. […] evidence suggests both pathways involved in heme iron toxicity.»https://t.co/CQe2JqujuG

Aug 23, 2025 · 4 likes · 411 followers View post →
Animal Army
@Vegansup · X

@logic_and_lifts @ThelastStyleb16 @jackedcoach I call it carcinogenic because it is: Individuals with the highest dietary heme iron intake had an 18% higher relative risk of colon cancer compared to those with the lowest intake https://t.co/e1IYPg0y5S

Aug 6, 2025 · 476 followers View post →
Philalethes Eirenaios
@e_philalethes · X

@brunsonbur49526 @vegan_girl_69 Yes, that is among the reasons why; read meat is a carcinogen. Doesn't matter how "lean" or "grass-fed" it is, as certain substances inherent to it are among the causative factors, like e.g. the high amount of heme-iron, not suitable for humans at all. https://t.co/P7chIG7uIS

Jul 19, 2025 · 411 followers View post →
Soy Team Six
@KlontHeart · X

@BlueNosePanda @sibaburck Heme iron gives you colon cancer. https://t.co/p3oXcqZxol

Jul 17, 2025 · 1 like · 141 followers View post →
Soy Team Six
@KlontHeart · X

@twitevit @AukeHoekstra Nope https://t.co/p3oXcqZxol

May 21, 2025 · 2 likes · 141 followers View post →
Tveh
@real_tveh · X

@AliceInDisarray @anevangelist_ @milkstrology 1/ What you're going to notice about your source is it provides no research. The best research they could cite: https://t.co/AoibtA8UT8 Showing a 1.18 relative risk in rats for dietary heme based on an indicator. https://t.co/yxYn1zwwyD And a study that notes that effects

Mar 18, 2025 · 49 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@nomoreliezz @ShannonHPerry1 @DrNealBarnard That's a bit of a list but, to pick out iron, presumably you are aware that the body can regulate non-heme but not heme? That could have serious consequences... https://t.co/bbaBkGoshz

Jan 17, 2025 · 14,403 followers View post →
Elust Monk
@ElustM · X

@IronSage_ Welll.. I thought it was clear enough that heme iron in red meat is promoting colorectal cancer. https://t.co/yw3K9sI3sB

Jan 15, 2025 · 7 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@raveryn Which bit, anaemic meat eaters? Or the body can regulate non-heme but not heme iron? Also... https://t.co/bbaBkGoshz

Dec 23, 2024 · 14,403 followers View post →
αναΜορφωση
@anamorfosis · X

@kakipethera Γενικα δεν φαινεται να ειμαστε καν σιγουροι για το κοκκινο κρεας https://t.co/xo7kBTIBpj Αλλα στον βαθμο που ισχυει, φαινεται να ειναι σημαντικο ποσο σιδηρο εχει το κρεας https://t.co/PUhPxdb6KF ΣΓ

Oct 13, 2024 · 2,205 followers View post →
Mister Taupe
@MisterTaupe_ · X

@EthanOakwin @naasking @jonatanpallesen Not only, see: https://t.co/D1R7Ko9rJS and: https://t.co/1mZK4BeB8l "A large body of evidence shows that heme iron is the critical component of red meat, which promotes colorectal carcinogenesis." https://t.co/iYzhhGcJEX

Aug 4, 2024 · 1 like · 28 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@henry77761681 @nightingales2_2 @herbivore_club @andyswarbs @JonScoff Heme iron is linked to numerous diseases. Cancer: https://t.co/bbaBkGnUs1 All cause mortality: https://t.co/NiR6beBjFj

Jul 15, 2024 · 1 like · 14,403 followers View post →
heleros_5 Ⓥ
@5Heleros · X

Heme iron from meat and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and a review of the mechanisms involved - PubMed https://t.co/PoQcA3iLJC

Jul 3, 2024 · 249 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@AndrewMorcheles @ImKhan70 The ethical and health arguments are strong.. https://t.co/bbaBkGnUs1

Jul 3, 2024 · 2 likes · 14,403 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@JOLED90 @lesley27171 @VeganChristian3 The huge issue with heme iron is that the body can't regulate it properly. It is strongly linked to colorectal cancer. https://t.co/Bny7WOnBj9

May 1, 2024 · 1 like · 14,403 followers View post →
Chris Jeffries
@ChrisJeffries24 · X

@LaisureJoe @busyworker99 Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest that heme iron may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Heme iron can catalyze the endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds and peroxidation of dietary fats, which may damage the colon https://t.co/Cq6tZ4pd1Q

Apr 26, 2024 · 1 like · 1,860 followers View post →
GenevieveZzyzyx
@GZzyzyx · X

@smashmouthjo @agargmd Ok, so its not a new discovery https://t.co/PxTG1w7fUV But research has identified a couple mechanisms for red meat and colon cancer- some of it is in the red meat protein, some is the gut biome’s response to the meat, etc https://t.co/Itjmdpgl7X Anyway https://t.co/UgX23aDmIt https://t.co/RVrpGiT9m9

Apr 15, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 970 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@DeaHeadquarters @S_Catsgotmyback I told you about non-heme iron. More about heme.... https://t.co/Bny7WOnBj9

Apr 15, 2024 · 1 like · 14,403 followers View post →
MistyMum Ⓥ
@JenniGoldsmith · X

@SteveDa39872898 @ImKhan70 https://t.co/6e5n2nvTbz https://t.co/OBrI5VzpF0

Mar 1, 2024 · 1,436 followers View post →
GenevieveZzyzyx
@GZzyzyx · X

@randallb1968 @carnivore_jt I used to go to Burger King for the impossible, but since I found out the heme protein causes cancer, I’m hesitant about synthetic heme. I’m gonna wait. How silly would it be to avoid red meat for cancer to get it from a synthetic cause of cancer. https://t.co/UgX23aDmIt https://t.co/yQZIPbI2vA

Feb 29, 2024 · 970 followers View post →
Soy Team Six
@KlontHeart · X

@TamarHaspel @GardnerPhD @KCKlatt Heme iron found in meat is associated with cancer https://t.co/NqUFc8w3l3

Feb 16, 2024 · 6 likes · 141 followers View post →
Mister Taupe
@MisterTaupe_ · X

@DONAYNUPHAR @Lord0bscuro @DIMENSION_YT @Neylan56013921 Il y a des vitamines B et tous les acides aminés dans presque tous les aliments. Du fer héminique donc toxique : https://t.co/Coi2T9sg0S La viande rouge augmente la mortalité, c'est tout ce qui compte. Les carences ne sont pas un problème pour quiconque a une alimentations saine.

Feb 12, 2024 · 28 followers View post →
Soy Team Six
@KlontHeart · X

@MIFarmSB @Veganella_ @Wallstrick Consumption of heme iron is associated with cancer and one of the cancer inducing elements of animal flesh causing cancer https://t.co/p3oXcqZxol https://t.co/N0p8mgn9HL

Feb 10, 2024 · 141 followers View post →
2 Regret, 2 Bucket.
@Regret_Bucket · X

@BHBEnjoyer @SentientBlobBob @TarbuckSam We don't know for sure but there is evidence starting to lean that way that It is. This is called probability, I'd bet more towards it than against it https://t.co/AhaZvjBego

Jan 14, 2024 · 223 followers View post →
Manna
@mastmanna · X

RT @Oj62390942: @theliverdr @fitindia1 @ApurOoP_26 3 papers- https://t.co/4MWVZo0giH https://t.co/YI98Jy1Qz1 https://t.co/36sXrKOHTb (more…

Dec 10, 2023 · 1 share · 166 followers View post →
Oj
@Oj62390942 · X

@theliverdr @ikaveri Look at the conflict of interest in your linked paper dude. "Epidemiological studies demonstrate a modest but significant and consistent relation between red meat and processed meat intake and CRC risk." https://t.co/4MWVZo0giH https://t.co/YI98Jy1Qz1 https://t.co/36sXrKOHTb

Dec 9, 2023 · 3 followers View post →
Oj
@Oj62390942 · X

@theliverdr @fitindia1 @ApurOoP_26 3 papers- https://t.co/4MWVZo0giH https://t.co/YI98Jy1Qz1 https://t.co/36sXrKOHTb (more papers in the references) Report from WHO and American Institute for cancer Research- https://t.co/PtIKHJyy9V Your putting peoples life in danger by spreading misinformation.

Dec 9, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 3 followers View post →
Soy Team Six
@KlontHeart · X

@fyberjack @ScepticalDoctor Read cancer and heem iron https://t.co/p3oXcqZxol

Dec 9, 2023 · 141 followers View post →
Out Of Office⭕
@Parikshit_K_ · X

RT @Radhika_singhhh: Chup bsdk https://t.co/OttudVKjKG https://t.co/pdl6tArKe1

Dec 9, 2023 · 1 share · 2,582 followers View post →
Winx stan
@Radhika_singhhh · X

Chup bsdk https://t.co/OttudVKjKG https://t.co/pdl6tArKe1 https://t.co/IEUtDRRLph

Dec 9, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 113 followers View post →
G
@Gabmart07 · X

https://t.co/NYmRYLRrKQ

Jun 1, 2023 · 64 followers View post →
Mitchell Julien
@NeptuneWakes · X

@nordlys @ScarletRogue Among the hypotheses explaining the association between meat intake and the risk of CRC, the effect of heme iron is supported by both epidemiological (Fig. 2) and experimental evidence (Supplementary Fig. S1) https://t.co/ajcZY48ggh

May 25, 2023 · 114 followers View post →
Arnþór
@arnthorjon · X

Heme Iron from #Meat and Risk of Colorectal #Cancer: A Meta-analysis and a Review of the Mechanisms Involved https://t.co/dg1g8xbNj3

Apr 7, 2023 · 1,395 followers View post →
宇宙の王
@eSiddhartha · X

@AndrzejDunowski @nutrition_facts https://t.co/bw8bWk0oct

Apr 3, 2023 · 4,096 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@TijePietersma @StephanPetersNL Odd that it is selective about nilutrients and doesn't mention saturated fat and fibre, as examples. Also, non-heme iron is the only iron the body can regulate. Heme iron cancer: https://t.co/b0v8Bpgg07 Heart disease meat: https://t.co/ekPO51ixKW.

Feb 3, 2023 · 2 likes · 14,403 followers View post →
Ralph Smorra
@RalphSmorra · X

RT @RalphSmorra: @GeorgeOu @VPrasadMDMPH There's lots of evidence. eg there are lots of things especially in red & processed meat that can…

Jan 26, 2023 · 1 share · 557 followers View post →
Ralph Smorra
@RalphSmorra · X

@GeorgeOu @VPrasadMDMPH There's lots of evidence. eg there are lots of things especially in red & processed meat that can contribute to cancer, such as heme iron https://t.co/iQAeSEXTid neu5gc https://t.co/r4rrqXXRCt TMAO https://t.co/Hoxafjef7b AGEs formed w typical cooking temp.https://t.co/Kzl6MA6Viy

Jan 26, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 557 followers View post →
Defender
@Grahanimal · X

@mushroomfem @HenryFailsafe @JenniGoldsmith @FHickens Heme-iron is a problem to humans because our bodies can't regulate it like non-heme: https://t.co/NiR6beBjFj Heme and cancer, there are loads of studies like this: https://t.co/b0v8Bpgg07

Dec 14, 2022 · 1 like · 14,403 followers View post →
Geoff Palmer
@GeoffPa65235628 · X

@GeorgeMonbiot @Veganella_ Heme Iron is a known Carcinogen. There are somethings that plant based foods should not replicate. Study: Heme iron from meat and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and a review of the mechanisms involved Link: https://t.co/5tKsRL8DvI

Nov 25, 2022 · 3 followers View post →
jacob seidell
@jaapseidell · X

@deheij @Marijn3D En mogelijk heemijzer https://t.co/KnfO3rnDEo https://t.co/Mjb60vyPIX

Sep 14, 2022 · 2 likes · 11,162 followers View post →
Holosign12
@holosign12 · X

@flix795 @f_v_d_ov https://t.co/n4Aovz7lDr

Sep 3, 2022 · 92 followers View post →
Calipso
@calipso_shots · X

@ClemensZsofia I mean, I know you don't care about science but here's the conclusion from this meta-analysis of prospective cohort: "Epidemiological and experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that heme iron present in meat promotes colorectal cancer." https://t.co/9vfE1p3XDV.

Aug 8, 2022 · 29 followers View post →
ridges
@ridgeisland · X

@paivan_psyko @Karvakake Hemiraudasta saa persesyövän. https://t.co/wZrzsAxICE.

Jul 23, 2022 · 813 followers View post →
Canadian Socialist - Obsession of "Carnivores"
@NurseCanadian · X

@Seb_81_ @TheParadigmShif @AlexaCo92055624 @joe31183 @StevieBaby1988 Omega 3s are easily gotten from multiple vegan sources, heme iron causes cancer and is not a necessary nutrient, nor is retinol or biotin. B12 is available from multiple vegan sources - we've been over this weeks ago. https://t.co/nLYKc6dYM7

Jun 24, 2022 · 1 like · 998 followers View post →
Bob Martin Ⓥ
@Bob_Martin_I · X

RT @TheParadigmShif: @Seb_81_ @AlexaCo92055624 @NurseCanadian @joe31183 @StevieBaby1988 The Impossible burger contains plant based heme iro…

Jun 20, 2022 · 1 share · 180 followers View post →
The Paradigm Shift
@TheParadigmShif · X

@Seb_81_ @AlexaCo92055624 @NurseCanadian @joe31183 @StevieBaby1988 The Impossible burger contains plant based heme iron. Heme iron isn't essential. Iron is, which can be easily obtained from plants and other non-animal sources. There's also data which suggests heme iron is bad for you. Like here: https://t.co/5o7b1pmpjH

Jun 17, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,358 followers View post →
GMOFREEFLORIDA
@GMOFREEFLORIDA · X

@joeinwynnewood Those other veggie burgers are mostly better options. The level of intake, in general, is about equivalent to someone eating a single Impossible burger daily. Impossible burger heme basically same as red meat=cancer. https://t.co/XteBiXMykE.

May 2, 2022 · 439 followers View post →
Celtic
@LA_Bernadette27 · X

@CarnivoreTrue https://t.co/2ED3jdwAAR

Apr 6, 2022 · 1,801 followers View post →
Marijn Raeven
@Marijn3D · X

@BartJooris @ThomasRotthier Ook onbewerkt vlees bevat van nature stoffen die niet gezond zijn. Bijvoorbeeld heemijzer, dat kankerverwekkend is. https://t.co/jAsBYu3oGs

Mar 25, 2022 · 838 followers View post →
Annie Leymarie
@AnnieLeymarie · X

@Alan_Watson_ @TyRBeal A few more studies showing various negative health outcomes associated with heme iron intake: https://t.co/EOOZHAdJfc https://t.co/c3Gtq4skUG https://t.co/lmx8wq9JkU https://t.co/P4X80AL1SH https://t.co/KeZemhBabC https://t.co/Jt0mU39cgQ https://t.co/3a6bSp4dtK

Oct 11, 2021 · 2 likes · 2,006 followers View post →
Aloominati
@_Aloominati_ · X

@IamthePatient1 @StThrobber @BarrySheerman Who said anything about questionnairs? Are you hallucinating. There is all kinds of scientific data proving heme iron is cancerous, epidemiological, experimental as well as mechanistic. But please keep fooling 0 IQ carnists looking for excuses. https://t.co/eI78XEvbPP

Jul 21, 2021 · 3 likes · 1,115 followers View post →
Guille
@colorango · X

@OscarPicazo En cuanto al cáncer y la diabetes, más de lo mismo, la investigación no se queda en la epidemiología, los mecanismos de la conexión también son sabidos (Heme Iron en el caso del cáncer por ejemplo). Te dejo unos estudios. https://t.co/uG0aZGdzd9 https://t.co/S0jKEfdQy7

Jul 12, 2021 · 34 followers View post →
Josh Ⓥ
@s0yb0y_ · X

@rifrafrafael @rubertgoobert @bongxdylan https://t.co/s1leDRurFq Smart people can't change without education. You asked for it, and I want to help. Also, here is one of the best nutrition resources around. https://t.co/8H7qbaIObv

Jul 12, 2021 · 6 likes · 78 followers View post →
Sure Tips Lord
@Sure_Tips_Lord · X

Animal and observational studies suggest that, in addition to toxic compounds created during high-heat cooking, heme iron found in red meat may play a role in colon cancer development (Source (https://t.co/MeWZZKr7Ng), Source (https://t.co/Ry7bibXfZ1)).

May 21, 2021 · 169 followers View post →
eating tvp is my personality
@TofuMasque · X

@aposta_z @willounet @dref21 @RosaBDB12 @lidlfrance euh bah en fait non, tout aliment qui contient du fer héminique augmente les risques de cancer colorectal, problèmes cardiovasculaires et autre https://t.co/Zh345oEEjC

Feb 8, 2021 · 3,066 followers View post →
eating tvp is my personality
@TofuMasque · X

@MrKlutch96 @BrownReice https://t.co/Zh345oEEjC It's just one of them. There are a lot of studies about heme iron links with cancer and other deadly (and less deadly) conditions.

Oct 16, 2020 · 1 like · 3,066 followers View post →
Linda Carney MD
@lindacarneymd · X

https://t.co/3UhVLfUmsu blog: Heme Iron From Meat and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and a Review of the Mechanisms Involved in Red Meat. https://t.co/xcHk6gZyzV https://t.co/hpyGfYU9BI

Aug 31, 2020 · 242 followers View post →
tokatti
@tokatti_ · X

増やす 牛肉や豚肉には鉄分が豊富 いっぽうで活性酸素を運んで腸内の上皮細胞にダメージをあたえてしまう 結果、大腸がんを起こしやすくなる https://t.co/aIKkHdX19x IGF-1はタンパク質をとると分泌されるホルモンで細胞の分裂をうながす役割を持っている 基本的に悪玉ではないが分泌量が増え

Aug 20, 2020 · 2 likes · 1 share · 189 followers View post →