Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- The latest Metformin study from BMJ
- Metformin’s impact on copper, iron, and zinc
- How metal shifts may drive Metformin benefits
- What this means for those taking or interested in Metformin
Metformin is the most prescribed diabetes drug worldwide, used for over 60 years with an outstanding safety record. Beyond blood sugar control, it has been linked to reduced risks of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and chronic inflammation. But the how behind these effects has remained unclear.
Now, a new BMJ study sheds light on a new mechanism that may help explain its wide-ranging health benefits beyond diabetes.
What Did the New Metformin Study Show?
For the study, researchers at Kobe University Hospital examined 189 people with type 2 diabetes, comparing those who had taken Metformin for at least six months to those who hadn’t.
Here’s what the researchers found:
- Lower copper and iron levels in Metformin users
- Higher zinc levels in men on Metformin
This suggests Metformin may bind and clear excess copper and iron in the body, while shifting zinc levels upward. These shifts could partly explain Metformin’s protective benefits beyond diabetes.
Why Do Copper, Iron, and Zinc Matter for Aging?
Metals act like double-edged swords in biology: vital for cellular function, but toxic in excess.
- Iron
High levels of iron drive oxidative stress and inflammation, disrupt immune function, and increase cardiovascular risk. Iron overload is a biomarker of accelerated biological aging. - Copper
Researchers have associated elevated blood copper levels with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that they may accumulate in the brain and drive neurodegeneration. Further, blood copper tends to be higher in individuals with diabetes and is linked to poor blood sugar control. - Zinc
Often declines when iron rises. Zinc supports immune balance, antioxidant defense, and glucose regulation.
By lowering copper and iron while nudging zinc upward, Metformin may be correcting a critical imbalance that accelerates biological aging.
Does This Explain Metformin’s Longevity Benefits?
Possibly, but not entirely. We can’t ignore the impact of stable glucose on longevity, which is Metformin’s main claim to fame.
But the metal-binding properties of Metformin have been recognized in the lab for years. Preclinical studies link this mechanism to its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this latest BMJ study provides the first clear evidence in humans.
It’s important to note that the BMJ study is correlative, not causal. Still, it aligns with prior data:
- People with diabetes often have higher iron and copper
- Metformin may have effects beyond diabetes that its blood sugar effects don’t seem to explain alone
- Binding excess copper in mitochondria improves inflammation and metabolic function in animal studies
Metformin’s impact on metals could be a missing link explaining its wide-ranging geroprotective effects.
What Does This Mean for Longevity Medicine?
Half of all US adults now show some degree of metabolic dysfunction. For this group, the potential benefits of Metformin are clear.
For generally healthy individuals, the debate continues. The TAME trial is set to test whether Metformin can slow biological aging. Until then, we can only weigh strong associations against the need for definitive causation.
What’s clear:
- Metformin is more than a glucose drug
- Its effects extend into mitochondrial health, inflammation, and now, metal detoxification
- Understanding its action may reshape how we think about targeting aging at the cellular level
What You Can Do Today
As with lithium and brain aging, the molecules we think we understand often have deeper roles in shaping healthspan.
Be mindful of Metformin’s effects on the balance of metals and get levels of iron, copper, and zinc measured track the benefits. Further, ensure adequate vitamin B12 levels, since long-term use lowers levels. Iron and B12 are commonly measured in standard blood tests during your regular doctors visits. Zinc and copper may need to be specifically requested through Labcorp or Quest.
Otherwise, what you can do today depends on your current relationship with Metformin:
- If you’re on Metformin:
This is another piece of data that reveals mechanisms of its promise beyond diabetes. Consider engaging with a biological age test to evaluate how Metformin is influencing your aging rate. - If you’re not on Metformin:
Metformin remains the poster child of longevity therapeutics, yet this study shows it still holds surprises, even after decades of use. The TAME trial will provide more confidence in its effects for those without metabolic disease, but the evidence in support of its longevity-enhancing benefits continues to build, especially for those at risk for metabolic dysfunction.
Whether you’re taking Metformin now or ready to begin your longevity journey, the message is the same: with the right tools and guidance, we can take control of our health and add healthier years to our life. For some, it may start with Metformin. For others, it may start with a simple consultation. When you’re ready. start an online visit with AgelessRx to see if Metformin’s right for you.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.