Supplement Scholar
Compound

Metformin (Rx, reference)

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Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

Metformin (Rx, reference). Diabetes drug studied for longevity (TAME trial) via AMPK activation.

How it works. Inhibits mitochondrial complex I → AMPK activation; reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Lowers all-cause mortality in T2D (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 500 mg → 2000 mg/d (Rx).

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Lactic acidosis (renal).

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin B12.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Metformin (Rx, reference). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Metformin (Rx, reference). Diabetes drug studied for longevity (TAME trial) via AMPK activation.

Molecular structureC4H11N5 · 129.16 g/mol

What it is

Diabetes drug studied for longevity (TAME trial) via AMPK activation.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Longevity PathwaysInsulin SensitivityHealthy Aging (alias)

How it works

Inhibits mitochondrial complex I → AMPK activation; reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Pathways

  • Inhibits mitochondrial complex I → AMPK activation
  • reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis

Effects

  • ↓all-cause mortality in T2D decreases
  • +Longevity benefit in non-diabetics unproven (TAME) supports

What the research supports

Lowers all-cause mortality in T2Dstrong
Longevity benefit in non-diabetics unproven (TAME)limited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
500 mg → 2000 mg/d (Rx)
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith food
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset
  • B12 depletion

Serious

  • Lactic acidosis (renal)

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Metformin (Rx, reference) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Metformin (Rx, reference) — Lowers all-cause mortality in T2D ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Metformin (Rx, reference) and "Lowers all-cause mortality in T2D". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Metformin (Rx, reference) — Longevity benefit in non-diabetics unproven ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Metformin (Rx, reference) and "Longevity benefit in non-diabetics unproven". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Metformin (Rx, reference) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Metformin (Rx, reference) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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