Acarbose (Acarbose (Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor))
An FDA-approved anti-diabetic drug that blunts post-meal glucose spikes. It has drawn strong interest from the longevity community after the NIA Interventions Testing Program (ITP) showed it extended lifespan in mice, especially males.
How it works
Inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase enzymes, slowing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose. This flattens post-prandial glucose and insulin excursions and shifts undigested carbohydrate to the colon, feeding beneficial short-chain-fatty-acid-producing bacteria.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 645.6 Da
- Half-life: ~2 hours
- Bioavailability: Very low systemic (~2%); acts locally in the gut
- Storage: Room temperature, protect from moisture.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 25-100 mg per meal
- Frequency: With carbohydrate-containing meals
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Oral tablet
Protocol notes
- Start at 25 mg with the first bite of the largest carbohydrate meal.
- Titrate upward (50-100 mg per meal) as GI tolerance allows.
- Only effective when taken with carbohydrate-containing meals.
Reported benefits
- Flattens post-meal glucose spikes
- Improves glycemic variability
- Longevity signal (ITP data)
- Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
- Modest weight support
- Minimal systemic absorption
Possible side effects
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Rare liver enzyme elevation
Research
- Acarbose extends lifespan in mice (ITP) (2019): Acarbose increased median lifespan, with a larger effect in males, in the NIA Interventions Testing Program.
- Acarbose and glycemic variability (2020): Reduced post-prandial glucose excursions and improved CGM-measured time-in-range.
Compare Acarbose
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.