C60 fullerene

The 2012 Baati rat study that sparked interest has been widely criticised for small sample size and confounds. Human safety and efficacy data are absent. High risk-to-benefit ratio.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

The Baati et al. 2012 study reported near-doubling of rat lifespan, but the control group died unusually early, inflating the apparent effect. No replication. No human trials. Potential for oxidative-stress generation with UV exposure.

• Theoretical radical-scavenging capacity due to cage structure
• Generated scientific interest in carbon nanomaterials for biology

No established human dose. Consumer products typically offer 0.8 mg/mL in olive oil. No basis for dose recommendations.

• Unknown in humans
• Photosensitivity concern (theoretical)
• Product purity concerns

Purity is critical—impurities can be toxic. No regulatory oversight of consumer products. Potential photosensitivity issues.

Entirely dependent on one unreplicated, methodologically questioned rodent study. The supplement industry has far outpaced the science.

• Longevity12