Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hype vs. Reality

Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help You Age Better?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, is being promoted as a potential longevity intervention, with claims ranging from reversing telomere shortening to enhancing cognitive function and reducing inflammation. But how much of this is backed by real science?

To those in our audience who might not be as familiar with telomeres and senescent cells: Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten as we age, like the plastic tips on shoelaces wearing down. Shorter telomeres are linked to aging and disease. Senescent cells are aged or damaged cells that no longer divide but linger in the body, promoting inflammation and dysfunction. Reducing these cells and preserving telomeres is considered a key target in healthy aging.

Key Evidence

• Telomere Length and Cellular Senescence

A prospective study in healthy older adults (n=35, aged 64 and older) showed that 60 HBOT sessions increased immune cell telomere length by 20–38%, while senescent T cells decreased by up to 37% (PMID: 33206062).

• Brain Function and Cognitive Health

In a randomized controlled trial (n=63, aged >64), 3 months of HBOT significantly improved global cognitive scores, especially in attention and processing speed (PMID: 32589613). MRI scans revealed increased blood flow in brain regions linked to memory and executive function.

• Inflammation and Immune Function

In various conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease and COVID-19, HBOT has been shown to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1, while increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 (PMID: 36796547; PMID: 22417628).

• Mitochondrial Health and Hormesis

In a blinded, randomized controlled Trial, HBOT enhanced muscle mitochondrial respiration and increased mitochondrial density in middle-aged athletes, likely through SIRT1 and PGC-1α activation (PMID: 35133516).

• Epigenetic Age?

Despite promising gene expression changes, no published clinical trials have shown that HBOT reverses biological age using DNA methylation clocks. This remains an open question for future research.

Practical Tips

• Medical oversight is essential: HBOT should only be done under medical supervision in certified facilities. It's not DIY.
• Know the protocol: Anti-aging studies used intensive regimens (60 sessions over 3 months). Be prepared for time and cost.
• Track outcomes: Consider measuring CRP, cognitive scores, or fitness before/after sessions to evaluate changes.

The Verdict

While HBOT is a promising and biologically plausible intervention, it's not yet a proven anti-aging therapy. Still, for those with access and under proper guidance, it may be a valuable tool to support brain health and cellular resilience, but the hype should not replace healthy habits.