New publications
A small dose of metformin increases life expectancy
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Researchers from the University of Baltimore (USA, Maryland) told the press that the drug "metformin", which is widely used in modern medicine, can increase the lifespan of living organisms.
For several months, the university laboratories conducted research on small rodents, and the results obtained, according to scientists, were satisfactory. The main goal of the study was to determine the effect of the components of the popular drug on the life expectancy of small rodents, as well as on their health. During the experiment, specialists monitored changes in metabolism, weekly examined blood tests of animals whose diet included a microdose of metformin.
Metformin is a widely used drug, most often used to treat type 2 diabetes. The main advantage of this drug is the ability to normalize kidney function and a small number of side effects, among which only gastrointestinal disorders can be distinguished. Today, doctors are conducting numerous studies on the possible use of the drug to treat other diseases.
Recently, metformin has been used for polycystic ovary syndrome, liver disease, and even premature puberty. This choice of drug is due to the fact that these diseases, like type 2 diabetes, manifest themselves as insulin resistance.
Research by scientists from Baltimore has proven that metformin, which is used to treat diabetes, can extend the life of small rodents by 5-6%. The experiment consisted of scientists monitoring the health of two groups of laboratory mice for several years. The mice from the first group were given a microscopic dose of metformin in their daily diet, while the rodents from the second group ate their usual food. Just a few weeks after the start of the experiment, the scientists noticed significant changes in the metabolism and general health of the animals. Also, at the end of the study, the scientists compared the life expectancy of those rodents that took the drug and those that ate their usual food. The results of the study showed that a small dose of the drug can increase the life expectancy of rodents by 4-6% (the dependence has not yet been established).
After analyzing the results, the experts came to the following conclusions: it is the drug metformin that is capable of exerting a beneficial effect on the condition of a living organism. The action of the drug makes the body more actively oxidize fats coming from food. Thus, the presence of metformin in the diet of rodents created the effect of eating low-fat and low-calorie food. It is known that a special diet contributes to the absence of numerous health problems and even the occurrence of many diseases associated with old age.
[