The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Rapamycin: The Worst Longevity Idea Ever Conceived? | 110

Apr 22, 2025

Explore the fascinating debate on rapamycin as a longevity treatment. Discover how misinformation surrounding its side effects, like cataracts and glucose issues, is debunked with scientific evidence. Uncover the benefits often overlooked in studies, and learn about its potential applications in treating periodontal disease. The discussion dives deep into the biological mechanisms behind mTOR and fasting, while also emphasizing the need for more robust clinical trials. Prepare for a lively examination of truth versus myth in the world of longevity science!

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INSIGHT

Rapamycin Benefits Outweigh Side Effects

Rapamycin extends lifespan in mice while showing overall healthspan improvements.
Some reported side effects like cataracts or glucose metabolism issues are either unreproducible or context-dependent.

INSIGHT

Rapamycin vs Fasting on Longevity

Claims that rapamycin only mimics fasting via mTOR inhibition are misleading.
Rapamycin increases lifespan much more effectively than fasting alone in mice.

INSIGHT

Rapamycin's Organ Effects Debunked

Rapamycin improves heart and liver function during aging in mice.
Negative claims about heart scarring and fattened liver lack evidence at longevity doses.

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Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter: https://www.optispan.life/Dr. Matt Kaeberlein fact-checks Dr. Chris Masterjohn's essay calling rapamycin the "Worst Longevity Idea Ever," correcting misinformation about side effects (cataracts, glucose, heart) and benefits using scientific data from mouse and human studies.0:00 Intro: Tackling the "Worst Longevity Idea Ever" Essay1:06 Who is Dr. Chris Masterjohn? Expertise Questioned3:20 Debunking Mouse Claims: Cataracts, Testicular Atrophy, Glucose Metabolism12:45 Fact Check: Rapamycin's Impact on Health Span (Benefits Ignored)17:02 mTOR, Fasting Cycles & Flawed Nutrient Signaling Arguments23:26 Debunking Claims: Heart Scarring, Fatty Liver, Shrinking Testicles27:28 Dose Comparisons, Marmoset Data & Keeping Up With Science31:27 Misleading Comparisons: Organ Transplant vs. Off-Label Use33:44 Correcting Claims on Testosterone, Wound Healing & Oral Inflammation36:55 The Real Rapamycin Data, Safety Profile & Final ThoughtsProduction: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis, https://videocastproductions.comDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/optispanTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!