Acarbose
An FDA-approved alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows dietary carbohydrate absorption, blunting postprandial glucose spikes. The Interventions Testing Program (ITP) demonstrated significant lifespan extension in male mice. Now used in longevity protocols as a glucose-lowering complement to Rapamycin.
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What Is Acarbose?
Acarbose is an FDA-approved alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, prescribed since the 1990s for type 2 diabetes management. It works by competitively inhibiting intestinal enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates into glucose — slowing absorption and blunting postprandial glucose spikes.
In the longevity space, acarbose gained significant attention following results from the NIA Interventions Testing Program (ITP) — the gold-standard mouse longevity testing programme. Acarbose produced 22% lifespan extension in male mice and 5% in females, making it one of the most effective longevity interventions tested in the ITP.
ITP Results and Mechanism
The ITP results suggest acarbose's longevity benefits extend beyond simple glucose control. The leading hypothesis involves downstream mTOR pathway modulation: by reducing postprandial glucose and insulin spikes, acarbose chronically lowers insulin/IGF-1 signalling, reducing mTORC1 activity in a pattern complementary to Rapamycin.
This is why acarbose is increasingly used alongside Rapamycin in longevity protocols — they modulate overlapping but non-identical pathways.
Dosage
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dose | 25–100 mg per carbohydrate-containing meal |
| Timing | First bite of meal |
| Titration | Start 25 mg, increase by 25 mg every 4 weeks |
| Max | 300 mg/day (100 mg per meal) |
Related Research
Stacking Interactions
How Acarbose interacts with other compounds
Safety Profile — Tier B
Generally safe — moderate evidence
Contraindications
- ●Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- ●Chronic intestinal disorders
- ●Cirrhosis
- ●Renal impairment (creatinine >2.0 mg/dL)
- ●Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Side Effects
- ●Flatulence — very common, especially initially (dose-dependent)
- ●Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- ●Diarrhoea at higher doses
- ●Rarely: elevated liver enzymes at high doses (>300mg/day)