L-Ergothioneine: The “Longevity Vitamin” Antioxidant
L-Ergothioneine (ET) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative first identified in mushrooms and later found in various foods such as black beans, oat bran, and garlic. Often called the “longevity vitamin,” ET has captured scientific interest due to its potent antioxidant properties and its unique ability to accumulate selectively in human tissues exposed to oxidative stress.
While traditional antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E act broadly throughout the body, ET seems to concentrate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells—sites particularly vulnerable to aging-related oxidative damage. This selective accumulation suggests that ET may play a key role in maintaining cellular resilience and supporting healthy aging.
What Makes L-Ergothioneine Unique?
ET differs from other antioxidants in several ways:
-
Selective tissue uptake: Human cells possess a specific transporter, OCTN1, which actively imports ET into tissues, unlike most dietary antioxidants that diffuse non-specifically.
-
Stability under stress: ET is highly resistant to autoxidation, allowing it to remain active even in conditions of high oxidative stress.
-
Redox modulation: ET participates in redox signaling, protecting cells from oxidative damage while supporting essential metabolic functions.
-
Potential cytoprotective roles: Studies indicate ET may protect mitochondria, reduce inflammation, and modulate cellular stress responses.
These features make L-Ergothioneine a particularly intriguing candidate for nutritional strategies aimed at promoting longevity. Supplemental is generally well tolerated, with no reported adverse effects at standard doses. Ongoing research seeks to determine optimal dosing strategies to maximize tissue uptake and long-term benefits. While research is ongoing, the existing evidence highlights L-Ergothioneine as a valuable component of nutritional strategies aimed at enhancing healthspan.
By AbinoNutra Biological Research Staff
1.Katsube M, Ishimoto T, Fukushima Y, Kagami A, Shuto T, Kato Y. Ergothioneine promotes longevity and healthy aging in male mice. Geroscience. 2024;46(4):3889-3909.
2.Apparoo Y, Phan CW, Kuppusamy UR, Sabaratnam V. Ergothioneine and its prospects as an anti-ageing compound. Exp Gerontol. 2022;170:111982.
3.Tian X, Thorne JL, Moore JB. Ergothioneine: an underrecognised dietary micronutrient required for healthy ageing?. Br J Nutr. 2023;129(1):104-114.
4.Bauer MA, Bazard P, Acosta AA, et al. L-Ergothioneine slows the progression of age-related hearing loss in CBA/CaJ mice. Hear Res. 2024;446:109004.
Share