C60 is generating significant excitement in the realm of natural health. It’s touted for a wide range of c60 benefits, including protecting against sunburn, promoting hair growth, and supporting longevity. As a potent antioxidant, C60 offers comprehensive protection against damage caused by free radicals.
The way C60 operates is by donating electrons to counteract free radicals and inhibit oxidation. Typically, it’s available as C60-infused olive oil, but it can also be found in other oils or in capsule form.
What is C60?
C60, or “Carbon 60,” refers to a molecule made up of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a unique structure known as a fullerene. Specifically, this type of fullerene is called a Buckminsterfullerene, commonly referred to as “buckyballs.”
The name “Buckminsterfullerene” is inspired by Buckminster Fuller, a scientist and architect famous for designing geodesic domes, which are often seen in botanical gardens. The shape of these domes is similar to the structure of the C60 molecule, hence the name.
In recognition of their groundbreaking work, the scientists who discovered C60 were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1996.
Where Does C60 Originate?
C60 is a man-made molecule that is produced in a laboratory from graphite. To create it, scientists vaporize graphite, allowing the carbon atoms to rearrange and form a structure resembling a soccer ball.
C60 as a Health Supplement
C60 became widely recognized following the pivotal 2012 Baati Rat Study, which investigated its effects on toxicity, oxidative stress, and lifespan extension.
Researchers have proposed that C60 might provide various health benefits, potentially addressing issues such as:
- Sun damage and sunburn
- Radiation protection
- Viral infections
- Oxidative stress
- Amyloid plaques in the brain (linked to Alzheimer’s disease)
- Allergies
- Improved brain function
Moreover, C60 could potentially enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer and promote healthy hair growth. That’s a substantial list of potential advantages packed into one small molecule! The study found that fullerene contributed to increased lifespan in rats, offering promising implications for human health. Researchers even suggested that C60 might be one of the most effective substances for extending life.
C60 fullerene is a strong antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals like superoxide in the body. Although superoxide is a normal byproduct of cellular metabolism, it’s something we want to minimize in our system.
Based on 2013 research, scientists believe C60 functions by absorbing protons, resulting in a positive charge. As C60 moves through cell membranes and into mitochondria—the body’s natural energy generators—it helps lower oxidative stress.
Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble C60
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between fat-soluble and water-soluble C60. Research showed that mice administered water-soluble Carboxyl C60 experienced a modest increase in lifespan, extending from 120 days to 128 days—an improvement of just 6.67%. In contrast, C60 dissolved in olive oil almost doubled the lifespan of the mice.
However, results have been inconsistent. Despite these promising findings, a more recent study in 2021 did not replicate the same outcomes, with researchers observing no significant increase in lifespan for the animals.
C60 Health Benefits
C60 molecules are believed to offer numerous potential benefits for overall health and wellness. While much of the research has been conducted on animals, there are also some human studies that show promising results. For instance, scientists have investigated the effects of C60 on skincare in human trials, with encouraging outcomes.
C60 Benefits for Skin Care
Research suggests that C60 may have anti-aging properties and contribute to clear, youthful skin. When incorporated into lotions, it has been found to protect against sunburn. Additionally, a small study involving a C60-infused gel indicated that it may help with acne. Participants who applied the gel twice daily for two months experienced a reduction in breakouts and an improvement in skin firmness.
Anti-Inflammatory
C60 may offer benefits in reducing skin inflammation, particularly for conditions like eczema. A study in mice published in Nanobiotechnology found that C60 helped soothe inflammation and restore the skin barrier. But the anti-inflammatory effects of C60 extend beyond just the skin. A 2019 study in rats with osteoarthritis demonstrated that C60 was also effective in reducing joint inflammation.
Anti-Aging
With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, C60 may play a role in slowing down the aging process. As mentioned earlier, studies have shown that C60 could potentially increase lifespan in animals. These effects were particularly pronounced when C60 was dissolved in oil.
Increased Energy
C60 might even become a substitute for your morning coffee. It may aid in energy production by accumulating in mitochondria, where it acts as a buffer against reactive oxygen species (ROS) that hinder energy production. While this effect may not be universal, many people report increased energy levels and improved metabolism.
When mitochondria function more efficiently, it not only boosts energy levels but also enhances skin health, brain function, and overall physiology. Improved mitochondrial function is also linked to slowing the aging process.
Healthy Weight
C60 may also contribute to weight loss. In an animal study, researchers observed that C60 not only reduced inflammation but also helped regulate body weight. Since inflammation and weight gain often go hand in hand, it’s logical that reducing inflammation could lead to weight loss.
C60 might also support weight loss by targeting metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. A study published in the Journal of Biomaterials found that C60 in squalane oil inhibited the formation of fat cells. The researchers suggested that this could be useful for managing metabolic syndrome and other obesity-related conditions.
Brain and Cognition
Insulin resistance has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, with some experts even referring to Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes.” Amyloid plaques are another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. In a 2017 study using a rat model of Alzheimer’s, C60 was found to enhance learning and memory by preventing the formation of amyloid plaques.
C60 may achieve these benefits in part by reducing inflammation and addressing metabolic syndrome.
Cancer Support
C60 may offer potential benefits in cancer recovery. In a 2021 study on mice, researchers combined C60 powder with nano-sized diamond powder to create a composite material. When applied to cancer cells, this combination effectively induced the self-destruction of the cells and reduced tumor size. The researchers are hopeful that this approach could improve survival rates in cancer patients.
Due to its strong ability to combat free radical damage, C60 may also play a role in cancer prevention. Oxidative damage to DNA can lead to abnormal cell growth, which is a key factor in the development of cancer.
C60 Benefits for Muscle Recovery
A 2017 study on rats investigated whether C60 could reduce muscle fatigue by accelerating recovery time. The rats that received C60 showed quicker recovery and increased endurance. Enhanced exercise capacity brings additional benefits, such as improved oxygenation and greater flexibility.
EMF & Radiation Mitigation
C60 appears to act as a protective barrier against electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiation. For radiation exposure, it might even be more effective than iodine. Although more research is needed, C60 seems to help the body become more resilient to radiation and electromagnetic stress.
Side Effects of C60
Research into the benefits of C60 is still in the early stages, and there is some evidence of potential toxicity, especially at high doses. A 2021 study published in Geroscience questioned whether C60 in olive oil truly contributes to lifespan extension. The researchers also raised concerns about the possibility of toxins forming in the oil when exposed to light.
In animal studies, C60 olive oil that was exposed to light proved toxic to mice. This highlights the importance of choosing a brand that packages C60 in dark bottles and storing it in a cool, dark place.
While it remains uncertain whether C60 can extend human lifespan, there are several other compelling reasons to consider its use. Reduced inflammation, improved memory, and enhanced endurance are just a few of the potential benefits.
Additionally, with C60’s potential to protect against radiation and electromagnetic fields, it’s especially relevant in the current era of 5G technology. Given the increased exposure to radiation from Wi-Fi, cell towers, and smartphones, C60 could offer valuable protection.
How to Use C60 and Where to Get It
There are several ways to incorporate C60 into your routine. C60 is commonly available in liquid form, dissolved in oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, MCT coconut oil, or black seed (Nigella sativa) oil. It is also available in capsule form, which should include one of these carrier oils.
For a typical 150-pound person, the recommended dosage is one teaspoon daily in the morning. However, this is not a strict guideline. Dosages are often adjusted based on body weight, measured in grams or milligrams per kilogram, to achieve the correct concentration. The Baati animal study used a dosage of 1.7 mg/kg while investigating toxicity levels. Even at these higher doses, C60 was not found to be toxic in the rats.
When choosing a high-quality C60 product, consider the following criteria:
- Packaged in a dark or amber bottle to protect C60 from light exposure
- Made with certified organic oils
- Free from solvents
- Tested by third-party laboratories
- Highly concentrated, containing 99.95% to 99.99% pure C60