Siim Land Podcast #478 Mitochondria Scientist: The Only Proven Way to Extend Human Lifespan - Dr Mark Tarnopolsky
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Nov 8, 2025 Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, a mitochondrial expert and Professor at McMaster University, shares fascinating insights on aging and longevity. He explains how mitochondria influence health, detailing the role of oxidative stress and exercise in longevity. Mark advocates for endurance training as the most effective way to extend lifespan and discusses the benefits of tailored antioxidant combinations. He also emphasizes the importance of nutrition for mitochondrial health and offers intriguing perspectives on resistance training and supplementation.
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Mitochondria Drive Multiple Aging Pathways
- Mitochondria do far more than produce ATP; dysfunction triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and telomere shortening.
- Keeping mitochondria healthy is central to healthy aging and preventing muscle loss.
Reactive Oxygen Species Are Signaling Molecules
- Some ROS are necessary: they signal adaptations like mitochondrial biogenesis and increased endogenous antioxidants.
- Excessive ROS is harmful, but bluntly suppressing ROS can block exercise benefits.
Use Antioxidants Contextually, Not Routinely
- Avoid blanket antioxidant use during training because vitamin C+E can blunt exercise adaptations.
- Use antioxidants selectively for aging, obesity, extreme training or disease where baseline ROS is high.