Exposure to 670 nm red light for 15 minutes significantly reduces blood glucose levels in healthy individuals, as shown by a glucose tolerance test. This photobiomodulation enhances mitochondrial function, potentially aiding metabolic health and reducing glucose spikes, which may support wellness, healthspan, and longevity by mitigating age-related metabolic decline.
February 2024 – Journal of Biophotonics
Key takeaways
- Red light reduces blood glucose spikes: A 15-minute exposure to 670 nm red light significantly lowered blood glucose levels by 27.7% after a glucose challenge. This suggests photobiomodulation can help manage post-meal glucose spikes, potentially reducing metabolic stress and supporting long-term metabolic health, which is crucial for ageing and longevity
- Enhanced mitochondrial function boosts energy: Red light at 670 nm increases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, particularly in aged or stressed systems. This improvement in cellular energy production may enhance overall metabolic efficiency, supporting healthier ageing and reducing age-related declines in energy metabolism
- Local light exposure has systemic benefits: Even though the light was applied locally to the upper back, the effects on blood glucose were systemic. This indicates that photobiomodulation may trigger widespread metabolic changes, potentially benefiting overall health and reducing risks associated with glucose dysregulation, which is linked to ageing and chronic diseases
- Potential to mitigate age-related metabolic decline: By improving mitochondrial function and reducing glucose spikes, 670 nm red light could help mitigate age-related metabolic decline. This intervention offers a non-invasive way to support metabolic health, potentially enhancing wellness and extending healthspan by reducing the damaging effects of glucose fluctuations on the body
Read the article at: Powner, Michael B., and Glen Jeffery. “Light Stimulation of Mitochondria Reduces Blood Glucose Levels.” Journal of Biophotonics, vol. 17, 2024, e202300521. DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300521.
