Scientist Reacts: Why Megadosing Creatine Is A Waste Of Time

Creatine is being called a "cognitive super-drug" that feels like "speed without the speed." Influencers are telling you to mega-dose 20 grams a day for brain power, bone health, and more. But what does the science actually say?In this episode, we go beyond the hype and fact-check the wildest creatine claims taking over the internet. I break down the real evidence on mega-dosing, and put the cognitive benefits to the testI react to clips from Paul Saladino, Jeff Cavalier, Rhonda Patrick, and Dave Asprey to separate proven fact from marketing fiction. Discover the simple, science-backed creatine protocol that actually works, and save your money (and your gut) in the process.This video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here:https://onebillionmedia.com/00:01:23 - High-Level Reality Check on Creatine00:03:12 - Hosts' Personal Histories with Creatine00:05:17 - How to Evaluate Health Influencers & Their Claims00:08:40 - Paul Saladino (MD): Analysis of Mega-Dosing Claims (20g/day) for Brain & Bones00:23:16 - Jeff Cavaliere (Physical Therapist): Claims on Depression, Parkinson's, and MS00:31:22 - Discussion on Creatine for Sleep Deprivation & High Stress00:34:28 - The "No Downside" Myth & Side Effects (GI Issues, Microbiome)00:37:29 - Rhonda Patrick (PhD): "Feels Like Speed" Claim & Brain Aging00:46:00 - Dave Asprey: "Most Powerful Cognitive Drug" Claim00:53:02 - How Creatine Actually Works (The "Backup Battery" Analogy)00:53:49 - Final Take-Home Messages & Summary00:56:00 - Q&A: Best Time to Take Creatine & What to Do If You Miss a Day00:57:42 - Final Thoughts on Influencer HypeDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/

Subscribe to our channel:    / @optispan  Get Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Jamie Justice, Executive Director of the $101 Million XPRIZE Healthspan. In this podcast, we discuss the world of longevity science, from the ambitious goals of this global competition to the lessons learned from the stalled TAME trial.Dr. Justice explains how the XPRIZE is structured to find real-world solutions to extend human healthspan.Chapters:00:01:31 - Jamie's Role & The Mission of XPRIZE Healthspan00:02:29 - What is the XPRIZE Foundation?00:05:36 - The Genesis of the Healthspan Prize00:09:39 - Why Commercial Success Matters for the Prize00:10:51 - How to Win: The Competition Structure & Timeline00:18:50 - The 3 Key Healthspan Pillars: Cognitive, Physical, and Immune Function00:22:03 - Clinical Trial Design: Crossover Trials & "Responder" Analysis00:27:12 - The Types of Teams & Interventions (From Gene Therapy to Public Health)00:32:06 - Handling "Wild West" Clinics & The Importance of Data Transparency00:35:02 - How Many Teams Will Make it to the Finals?00:37:41 - Safety, Ethics, and Regulatory Hurdles00:43:42 - The FDA's Role and the Challenge of Approving "Aging" Interventions00:51:18 - The Story of the TAME Trial: Goals, Design, and Why It Stalled00:58:23 - The Real Reasons TAME Wasn't Funded (NIH Peer Review & More)01:07:09 - The Future of Large-Scale Aging Trials01:13:25 - The Good, The Bad, and The "Pheromones": Crazy XPRIZE Submissions01:16:49 - Breakdown of Finalist Categories: Drugs, Biologics, Supplements, and Multimodal Approaches01:22:20 - A Companion Prize for Biomarker Discovery01:27:30 - The Problem with "Biological Age" and Epigenetic Clocks01:31:44 - The Ethics of Using Direct-to-Consumer Age Tests in ClinicsAbout XPRIZE:XPRIZE's mission is to inspire and empower humanity to achieve breakthroughs that accelerate an equitable, abundant future.Website: https://www.xprize.org/Get Involved: https://www.xprize.org/get-involvedLinkedIn:   / x-prize-foundation  YouTube:    / xprize  X: http://x.com/xprizeInstagram:   / xprize  TikTok:   / xprize  Facebook:   / xprize  This video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here:https://onebillionmedia.com/DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://x.com/mkaeberlein Linkedin:   / optispan  Instagram:   / optispan_   TikTok:   / optispan  https://www.optispan.life/Discover how teams worldwide are competing to prove they can reverse human aging by 10+ years, and why the winner might not be a drug at all.

In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Brad Stanfield sits down with Dr Matt Kaeberlein to discuss his journey from a primary care physician in New Zealand to a leading voice in the evidence-based longevity space. We cover the launch and philosophy behind his YouTube channel, the challenges and exciting results of his self-funded rapamycin clinical trial, and his critical perspective on supplements, medical guidelines, and the future of aging research.Dr. Stanfield provides a unique clinician's viewpoint on hot topics like GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic), SGLT2 inhibitors, vitamin D testing, and the pitfalls of biological age clocks. We also dive into a spirited debate on the role of medical societies, the balance between risk and benefit in prescribing medications, and why he believes the field of longevity is still in its early stages of discovery.Key Topics & Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:52 - Brad's Background02:47 - Starting the YouTube Channel & Philosophy on Science Communication07:39 - The Rigor of Clinical Data vs. Misinformation10:14 - Admitting Mistakes in Public (Resveratrol, Metformin)14:40 - Funding and Designing the Rapamycin Clinical Trial19:25 - Rapamycin Trial Results Submitted & Plans for a PhD23:28 - Preventative Care: New Zealand vs. US Healthcare Systems27:59 - The Vitamin D Debate: To Test or Not to Test?35:18 - Trust in Medical Guidelines & The Hormone Replacement Therapy Controversy43:42 - The Problem with Biological Age Clocks46:22 - Patient-Centered Care: Inform vs. Decide in Medicine49:49 - How to Judge the Quality of a Clinical Trial (CONSORT)53:44 - Risk vs. Benefit: When Should We Prescribe Preventative Drugs?58:05 - GLP-1 Agonists (Ozempic) and SGLT2 Inhibitors in Practice01:02:00 - Brad's Personal Use of an SGLT2 Inhibitor01:05:38 - The State of Longevity Research: How Much Do We Really Know?01:08:34 - Closing RemarksDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.Dr. Brad Stanfield's Socials:Website: https://drstanfield.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrBradStanfieldX: https://x.com/BradStanfieldMDMore places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://x.com/mkaeberlein Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/

Subscribe to our channel:    / @optispan  Get Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter:   / mkaeberlein  Linkedin:   / optispan  Instagram:   / optispan_  TikTok:   / optispan  https://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Joel Jamison is back for another deep dive, and this episode is packed with actionable insights, personal health revelations, and answers to your burning questions. We cover everything from the legitimacy of new health tech to Joel's ongoing journey with a shocking calcium score and what he's doing about it.If you have a family history of heart disease, use wearable tech, or are just focused on optimizing your health and longevity, this conversation is for you.TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 - Introduction & The Random Test00:01:38 - The Quest Bar Founder Funding Cancer Research00:02:47 - New AirPods & Measuring Heart Rate/HRV Through Your Ear00:05:04 - HRV: Training to Win vs. Training for Longevity00:06:09 - Waking Up at 4:30 AM vs. 6:30 AM: Impact on Sleep & HRV00:09:45 - ADHD Medications, Supplements, and Their Effects on HRV00:10:56 - The Search for Large-Scale HRV Data00:11:56 - Is HRV Still "Cutting Edge"?00:13:38 - What's Better Than HRV? (The "Dream" Biomarker)00:14:59 - Can You Measure HRV Without a Smart Device?00:15:53 - Cannabis Use and Its Drastic Impact on HRV00:17:59 - Best Practices for Accurate HRV Measurement (Morpheus)00:18:52 - DEEP DIVE: Joel's Shocking Heart Health Journey00:29:07 - Listener Case: High LP(a) and Stubbornly Low HRV00:30:36 - Listener Case: Low Oura Ring HRV but Excellent Other Markers00:32:56 - The Problem with "Cardiovascular Age" Metrics00:34:11 - How Accurate Are Garmin & Oura Ring VO2 Max Estimates?00:37:51 - The Credibility Problem with "Biological Age" & Oral Peptides00:40:07 - Update: Joel's Latest CCTA & Calcium Score Results00:41:32 - Analyzing the Scans: Radiologist vs. Cleerly AIIf you have a family history of heart disease, this conversation is a must-watch. Listen to the full podcast now.If you enjoyed this don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss our next deep-dive conversation.

In this podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jon Berner to explore two of the most promising yet misunderstood therapeutic agents: Lithium and Rapamycin.We begin with a groundbreaking discussion on Lithium, moving far beyond its traditional use in psychiatry. We break down the recent landmark study in Nature that positions lithium as a potential powerhouse for combating Alzheimer's disease, delve into the different salts (orotate vs. carbonate), and discuss who might benefit, who should be cautious, and the practical realities of dosing and side effects.In the second half, we shifted to Rapamycin, focusing on an exciting new preprint study on its use for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). We explore the compelling "hyperinflammatory" hypothesis for ME/CFS and long COVID, question whether current off-label dosing is too low, and debate the classic mTORC1 vs. mTORC2 model. The conversation also covers radical new ideas like high-dose pulse therapy, its potential use in IVF, and the powerful synergy of combining rapamycin with ketamine for treatment-resistant conditions.Throughout, we tackle the larger themes of personalized medicine, the limitations of the FDA, and how new AI-driven tools are beginning to map the complex, N-dimensional biochemical space of human health.

Subscribe to our channel:    / @optispan  Get Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Join me for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Alex and Dr. Jan from the YEARS Healthspan Clinic in Berlin. They pull back the curtain on what a truly evidence-based, scientific approach to longevity medicine looks like, moving beyond the hype and "snake oil" to focus on rigorous diagnostics, personalized interventions, and the critical collection of high-quality data.In this episode, they delve into the comprehensive 6+ hour diagnostic workup I am about to undergo, discuss the hierarchy of interventions (from lifestyle as the foundation to the careful use of pharmaceuticals), and debate the role of supplements, peptides, and more experimental therapies. This is a masterclass in the practical application of healthspan medicine from leading clinicians in the field.This video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here:https://onebillionmedia.com/Timestamps:00:00 – Trailer01:12 – Introduction02:19 – Inside the 6-Hour Health Assessment05:00 – Full-Body MRI & Advanced Testing11:57 – Biological Age Tests & Organ-Specific Clocks17:10 – "Scientific Healthspan" vs. Longevity Medicine25:50 – Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-World Case31:42 – Supplements: Separating Facts from Fads43:20 – Rapamycin, GLP-1s & Metformin: What's Proven?54:00 – Muscle Loss, Brain Health & Alzheimer's Prevention01:05:11 – Stem Cells, Exosomes & Peptides: Hype or Hope?01:12:57 – No Shortcuts: The Need for Clinical Trials01:17:47 – Preventive Cardiology & Lipid Management01:26:52 – Hormone Therapy: Men, Women & Misconceptions01:33:12 – The Longevity Field's Biggest Problem01:39:05 – "Dr. ChatGPT" & The Self-Diagnosis Dilemma01:43:14 – Why Healthcare Must Change Now01:45:26 – Closing ThoughtsDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter:   / mkaeberlein  Linkedin:   / optispan  Instagram:   / optispan_  TikTok:   / optispan  https://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel:    / @optispan  Get Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Ever heard of a medical procedure that’s been called an “oil change for your blood”?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brad Younggren to explore Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE), a cutting-edge intervention that just might help extend healthspan, reduce biological age, and even clear hidden toxins like microplastics.We discuss the fascinating science behind TPE, from the famous parabiosis experiments in rodents to human trial data from Circulate and the Buck Institute. Dr. Younggren walks us through what really happens during TPE, which biomarkers shift the most, and who might benefit the most.This video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here:https://onebillionmedia.com/Chapters:00:00:00 — “Oil change for blood”00:01:05 — How TPE works (centrifuge)00:05:10 — Foundational science/parabiosis00:12:07 — Trial design & sham control00:22:39 — Headline result: “-2.6 years”00:34:01 — Compartment theory explained00:46:31 — Moving TPE to clinics00:48:03 — Long-COVID anecdote00:54:34 — Microplastics discussion01:06:38 — Cost & access overviewDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter:   / mkaeberlein  Linkedin:   / optispan  Instagram:   / optispan_  TikTok:   / optispan  https://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Just back from the tour of the longevity world! In this episode, we discuss my recent travels to two major conferences: the high-end Longevity Investors Conference in Gstaad, Switzerland, and the academic GJAM Conference in Jena, Germany.We unpack the stark contrasts between these two worlds, from the venues and treatment of attendees to the fundamental divides in how people perceive and practice "longevity." I share my key takeaways on the growing chasm between real science and snake oil, the "apologist" perspective, and why I believe the term "Longevity Medicine" is already developing a bad reputation.We also cover:The ethical problem with using biological age clocks in clinical practice today.My experience going through the comprehensive health assessment at the Years Clinic in Berlin.Surprising VO2 Max results and a hilarious (and slightly alarming) story about getting a full-body MRI in Germany.The disconnect between academic geroscience and the biohacking community.My thoughts on the future of validated biomarkers.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction & Travel Regrets00:02:11 - Rapid-Fire Health Check: Diet, Exercise, Sleep00:04:37 - Trip Overview: Longevity Investors Conference, Gstaad00:07:08 - The "Dark Side" of Longevity & Snake Oil00:09:08 - The Three Camps in Longevity00:13:39 - Upcoming Episodes: Jamie Justice & Brad Stanfield00:14:05 - The Problem with Biological Age Clocks00:17:55 - The Most Promising "Biological Age" Test (LINH2)00:19:26 - Key Takeaways from the Investors Conference00:20:53 - Longevity vs. Gym Bro Experimentation00:27:45 - Arrival at the Academic GJAM Conference, Jena00:31:07 - Stark Contrast: Academia vs. Investors00:33:15 - The Slow Pace of Academic Science00:34:03 - The Academic & Biohacker Disconnect00:36:23 - The "Longevity Celebrity" Phenomenon00:42:55 - Berlin & The Years Clinic00:44:54 - "Scientific Healthspan" vs. "Longevity Medicine"00:45:38 - The MRI Story in Berlin00:47:53 - VO2 Max & Health Data Results00:50:05 - Germany's Ban on Preventative DEXA Scans00:53:16 - Preview of Upcoming TravelDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://x.com/mkaeberlein Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/

Alzheimer’s is often talked about but rarely understood in full. For decades, most research has focused on amyloid plaques, but what if that’s only part of the story? In this deep-dive, Dr. Cory, from the Institute for Systems Biology explains a new way of looking at Alzheimer’s: It is not simply a plaque problem, but as a breakdown in the brain’s “debris management” system, especially how it handles cholesterol. This perspective connects the dots between genes like ApoE4, the role of microglia, and everyday factors like sleep and stress. It also helps explain why current drugs give mixed results, and what might actually work in the future. Dr. Cory also shares practical insights on prevention and what a new era of treatment could look like .This video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here: www.onebillionmedia.comIf you want to understand where the future of Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment is headed, watch this podcast now!