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.
Community reviews of Acarbose
- lab_notes_tom rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 3 months: Been using Acarbose for about 3 months and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- dose_math_derek rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: Acarbose has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
- bac_water_betty rated it 5/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added Acarbose to my protocol about 4 months ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
Compare Acarbose
Community discussions about Acarbose
- Acarbose ITP Longevity Study – Worth the 25 mg/meal? - 3 comments
- Using unlabeled acarbose to tame post‑meal glucose spikes while training - 5 comments
- Ask the community about Acarbose
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.