L-Ergothioniene

L-Ergothioniene is an unusual amino acid that is found in certain bacteria and fungi. It’s a thiourea variation of histidine. Studies show, mostly in vitro, that is has very strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. It can sequester strong ROS like hydroxyl and peroxide radicals. There is even research showing it can mitigate telomere shortening, a bio marker for aging. Ergothioneine can also protect you from UV damage, as well as reduce inflammation in the lungs, prevent liver damage and brain damage from plaques like beta-amyloid. Research suggests it can also protect your mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell that produces ATP and restore DNA damage. It has an extremely long half-life, almost 30 days! Doses are between 5-25mg/d but it’s VERY expensive. More research is needed in humans to see the totality of its benefits.