In this episode of the Optispan podcast, longevity researcher Dr. Matt Kaeberlein answers audience questions on hormone therapy, emerging supplements, and popular yet unproven health interventions. With characteristic honesty and scientific nuance, he separates evidence from hype and emphasizes cautious, personalized approaches.

Key Points:

In this engaging Q&A episode, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein offers a clear-eyed, evidence-based perspective on hot-button topics in the longevity space—including testosterone therapy, popular supplements like astaxanthin and C15, plasma exchange, and hyperbaric oxygen—cutting through hype and misinformation to help listeners make more informed health decisions.

• Testosterone Therapy & Hormonal Health: Kaeberlein shares his positive personal experience with testosterone therapy after struggling with low levels. He stresses the importance of testing and optimizing hormone panels with expert medical guidance, placing hormonal health alongside core lifestyle pillars.
• “Miracle” Supplements- Astaxanthin vs. Fatty15 (C15): Astaxanthin shows modest life-extension effects in mice, particularly in males, and may offer health benefits. In contrast, he views C15 as overhyped with little evidence beyond cell culture data. Neither is a proven longevity tool.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen & Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Kaeberlein critiques exaggerated claims around hyperbaric oxygen therapy and finds its longevity evidence weak. He is more optimistic about therapeutic plasma exchange, citing better biological rationale and early results, but stresses that it remains experimental.
• Heart Health: Elevated cholesterol markers should not cause panic but deserve attention. Tools like coronary CT angiograms can offer clearer insight into actual plaque burden and guide decisions on lifestyle or pharmaceutical interventions.
• Why Scientists Seem Cautious: He explains that scientific nuance often resists easy answers. Unlike influencers selling certainty, scientists are trained to weigh evidence carefully—even if it frustrates audiences looking for black-and-white guidance.