Why Bryan Johnson Takes Acarbose

Spoiler: It’s not just for diabetes anymore.

I noticed Acarbose popping up in Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol and wondered: Why is a diabetes drug part of a longevity stack?

I dug into the research, and here’s the TL;DR: Acarbose is being repurposed as a potential longevity "hack"—but the science behind it is wilder than I expected.

🔍 Key Takeaways from the Research

1️⃣ 🐁 Lifespan Extension in Mice

  • Boosts lifespan by 14-22% in genetically diverse mice.
  • Synergizes with rapamycin to target both metabolic and immune aging pathways.

2️⃣ 🦠 Gut Health Supercharger

  • Feeds "good" gut bacteria (e.g., Muribaculaceae), which produce butyrate—a short-chain fatty acid linked to:
    • Reduced inflammation
    • Better insulin sensitivity
    • Stronger gut barrier function

3️⃣ ⚡️ Calorie Restriction Mimetic

  • Mimics the anti-aging effects of fasting without cutting calories by:
    • Blunting post-meal glucose spikes
    • Activating stress-response pathways

4️⃣ ❤️ Cardiovascular Perks

  • Lowers postprandial glucose (a silent killer for heart health).
  • Improves cardiac structure in aging animal models.

🚩 The Catch (Because There’s Always One)

  • GI Side Effects: ~30% of users get bloating/gas (thanks to undigested carbs fermenting in your colon).
  • Human Data Is Thin: Most longevity evidence comes from mice—no guarantees it translates.
  • Off-Label Use = Experimental: Bryan’s protocol is pushing boundaries here.

🤔 Is This Worth Trying?

If you’re considering Acarbose:
✅ Talk to your doctor first—especially if you’re not diabetic.
✅ Start low (25mg) to assess GI tolerance.
✅ Pair with a low-glycemic diet to maximize benefits.

🔗 Want the Full Breakdown?

I wrote a deeper dive analysis

🗣️ Let’s Discuss!

  • Are you taking Acarbose? What’s your experience?
  • Does Bryan’s use of off-label drugs like this make you more or less likely to try them?
  • What other Blueprint supplements deserve a closer look?

Disclaimer: Not medical advice. I’m just a nerd with PubMed access and my health platform doing research.