Research

Hormonal

Modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels through antioxidant interventions does not consistently extend lifespan or delay age-related diseases, contradicting the mitochondrial free radical theory of ageing.

Do not rely on antioxidant supplements to extend your lifespan or prevent ageing. Current evidence from genetic models suggests that manipulating ROS levels does not consistently improve longevity and may interfere with natural stress-response mechanisms. Focus on proven interventions like dietary restriction or exercise, which may work by inducing mild, beneficial stress (mitohormesis) rather than simply neutralizing ROS.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
interventions to modulate ROS levels in humans and animal models have not produced consistent results in terms of delaying disease progression and extending lifespan.
Marie Lagouge et al. · Journal of Internal Medicine · 2013

Why this rating

Based on multiple genetic mouse models, Drosophila, and C. elegans studies showing inconsistent or null effects of antioxidant manipulation on lifespan.

Source

The role of mitochondrial <scp>DNA</scp> mutations and free radicals in disease and ageing

Marie Lagouge et al. · Journal of Internal Medicine · 2013

DOI 10.1111/joim.12055

narrative_reviewCited 261×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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