C60 Benefits: Is This a Miracle Molecule?

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » C60 Benefits: Is This a Miracle Molecule?

C60 is the newest buzzword in the natural health world. It’s recommended for everything from avoiding sunburn, to hair growth, to longevity. C60 benefits the whole body and acts as an antioxidant to help protect against free radical damage.

This molecule works by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidation. You’ll usually see it as a C60-infused olive oil, but it can also be dissolved in other oils or sold in capsule form.

What Is C60?

C60 is short for “Carbon 60.” It refers to the number of carbon atoms that, when connected, form a molecule called a fullerene. More specifically, a Buckminsterfullerene, or “buckyballs” for short.

This odd name comes from scientist and architect Buckminster Fuller. He often used geodesic domes (like you might see at a botanical garden) in his building designs. These domes resembled the newly discovered molecules so the molecule was named in his honor.

The scientists who made these discoveries received a Nobel Prize for their work in 1996.

Where Does C60 Come From?

C60 is a synthetic molecule derived from graphite in a lab. The scientists vaporize graphite so the carbon can form new bonds, changing its shape to that of a soccer ball.

C60 As a Health Supplement

C60 first got attention with the landmark 2012 Baati Rat Study. This study looked into C60’s effects on toxicity, oxidative stress, and long life.

According to researchers, C60 benefits may help with a laundry list of health concerns, including:

  • sun damage/sunburns
  • radiation protection
  • viral infections
  • oxidative stress
  • amyloid plaques in the brain (linked with Alzheimer’s disease)
  • allergies
  • enhance brain activity

It may also stimulate the immune system against cancer and promote healthy hair growth. Those are a lot of benefits in one little molecule! The researchers concluded fullerene promoted longevity in rats, with exciting possibilities for humans. They noted that C60 could be the most efficient material for longer life.

C60 fullerene is a powerful antioxidant that fights damaging free radicals like superoxide in the body. Although superoxide is a natural byproduct of our cell’s metabolism, it’s not something we want hanging around.

According to 2013 research,  Scientists believe it works by absorbing protons, creating a positive charge. When C60 passes through cell membranes and into mitochondria, our body’s natural energy-producers, it decreases oxidative stress.

Fat Soluble vs Water Soluble

It’s important to note there’s a difference between fat-soluble C60 and water-soluble C60. Mice given water-soluble Carboxyl C60 went from a 120-day to a 128-day lifespan. That’s only an increase of 6.67%. Regular C60 dissolved in olive oil though nearly doubled the mice’s life span.

There have been some mixed results, however. Although this research seems impressive, a more recent 2021 study did not get the same results. The scientists saw no improvement in the animal’s lifespan.

C60 Health Benefits

C60 molecules have a wide range of potential benefits for overall wellness. Although most of the research is on animals there are also some human studies. Scientists have explored C60 benefits for skincare in human trials and the results are encouraging.

C60 Benefits for Skin Care

According to research, C60 may have anti-aging effects and promote clear, youthful skin. When used in lotion, it’s been shown to protect against sunburn. C60 also seems to help with acne, according to a small study of a C60-containing gel. Applying the gel twice a day over two months helped lower breakouts and plump up the skin.

Anti-Inflammatory

C60 may help lower skin inflammation when it comes to eczema. In a mouse study from Nanobiotechnology, C60 helped calm inflammation and restore the skin barrier. But the inflammation-lowering benefits go beyond the skin. A 2019 rat study for osteoarthritis found that C60 was also helpful for inflamed joints.

Anti-Aging

This molecule with its antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties may help slow the aging process. As mentioned above, scientific studies showed a potentially increased lifespan in animals. Again, it was more effective at doing this when dissolved in oil.

Increased Energy

C60 might just even replace your morning cup of coffee. C60 may help with energy production by collecting inside mitochondria. It acts as a buffer against reactive oxygen species (ROS), which slow energy production. While it may not happen for everyone, most people notice better energy and metabolism.

When our mitochondria work better, it helps not just with energy, but healthier skin and better brain function. Basically every part of our physiology. And when mitochondria improve it slows down aging.

Healthy Weight

Another potential effect of C60 is weight loss. In an animal study, researchers noted that C60 not only lowered inflammation but helped normalize weight. Since weight gain and inflammation often go together, it makes sense that less inflammation could also lead to weight loss.

Another way C60 may also help with weight loss is by addressing metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Research in the journal Biomaterials found that C60 in squalane oil helped stop fat cells from forming. The scientists suggested using this for metabolic syndrome and other obesity-related issues.

Brain and Cognition

Insulin resistance may also play a role in Alzheimer’s, with some even calling Alzheimer’s type 3 diabetes. Amyloid plaques are another key characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. In a 2017 rat model of Alzheimer’s, C60 helped improve learning and memory by protecting against amyloid plaque formation.

It’s possible that C60 works in part by lowering inflammation and addressing metabolic syndrome.

Cancer Support

C60 benefits could even help with cancer recovery. In a 2021 mouse study, researchers combined C60 powder with nano-sized diamond powder to create a composite. The combination was then used on cancer cells, successfully causing them to self-destruct and shrink the tumor. The scientists hope this combination could help increase survival time in cancer patients.

Because C60 is so good at addressing free radical damage, it may also help with cancer. It’s this oxidative damage to DNA that leads to abnormal cell growth and, eventually, a cancer diagnosis.

C60 Benefits for Muscle Recovery

Another 2017 rat study explored whether C60 could lessen muscle fatigue by speeding up recovery time. Rats given this solution needed less recovery time and had more endurance. When we increase our ability to exercise other positive changes happen, including more oxygenation and better flexibility.

EMF & Radiation Mitigation

C60 seems to act as a buffer against EMFs and radiation. For radiation exposure, it may even work better than taking iodine. More research is needed but C60 seems to make the body more resilient against radiation and electromagnetic stress.

C60 Side Effects

C60 benefits research is still in its infancy, and there’s some evidence of toxicity, especially in high amounts. A 2021 study in Geroscience questioned if C60 in olive oil could really help extend lifespan. The researchers also raised the question if light exposure could cause toxins to form in the oil.

In animal studies, light-exposed C60 olive oil was toxic to the mice. This shows the importance of getting a brand that’s packaged in a dark bottle and then storing it in a cool, dark place.

While we still don’t know if C60 can promote longer life in humans, there are many other benefits to taking it. Less inflammation, better memory, and better endurance are all great reasons to give C60 a try.

Plus, with its potential to protect the body against radiation and electromagnetic fields, it’s very timely with the rollout of 5G. With Wi-Fi, cell phone towers, and smartphones we’re exposed to much more radiation than in the past.

How to Use C60 and Where to Get It

There are a few different ways to take this miracle molecule. C60 is available in liquid form, dissolved in olive oil, avocado oil, MCT coconut oil, or even black seed (Nigella sativa) oil. You can also get it in capsule form, which should include one of those carrier oils.

It’s recommended that the average 150-lb person take one teaspoon a day in the morning. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule.  The amount is often based on body weight (grams or milligrams per kilogram) to get the right concentration. The Baati animal study used 1.7 mg/kg, since they were researching toxicity levels. Even at these high doses, C60 wasn’t shown to be toxic in the rats.

When selecting a high-quality C60 product, be sure to look for these things:

  • Dark/amber bottle, protecting the C60 from light
  • Certified organic oils
  • Solvent-free
  • Third-party tested
  • Highly concentrated. Should be 99.95% to 99.99% pure C60

After looking into C60 supplements, I found this one from Purple Power that meets my standards.

Have you tried any C60 products? What was your experience? Share below!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

14 responses to “C60 Benefits: Is This a Miracle Molecule?”

  1. Yvanette Avatar
    Yvanette

    I really love the information that you offer people, they are very helpful.

  2. Arnaud Avatar

    Hello to this wise community !
    I just noticed that c60-France.com has released a new product, nigella sativa carbon 60 oil.
    They claim that this oil, nigella sativa or black cumin oil increase the benefits of C60.
    What do you think of this particular oil ?
    Thanks a lot.
    Arnaud

  3. Alyssa Avatar

    The product recommended is insanely overpriced for the actual quantity of c60 provided. Also has traces of Toluene in it…a toxic solvent. I dont know about you, but I dont want to create free radical damage while trying to neutralize it.

    1. Jess M. Avatar

      Hi Alyssa – You are misinformed. C60 Purple Power offers 99.99% pure sublimated C60 (never exposed to solvents).

  4. Grey Avatar

    I am using this brand of C60. I do notice it helps with inflammation. I have not been using this too long. I will use one more bottle then determine if I will keep taking this.

    1. Jamie Larrison Avatar

      There have been some animal studies on pregnant mice and there is some evidence C60 crosses the placenta. Because human research is limited it\’s best to consult with your doctor or midwife if you\’re breastfeeding or pregnant before taking this supplement.

  5. Constance Avatar
    Constance

    I read a few things about it potentially damaging DNA and stopped taking it. Since the molecule has the power to enter a cell, are we sure we are willing to grant it that access? How does it work with the DNA? I\’m on the fence. Would like somebody to vet the science and explain it to me. The Purple Power one is in my cupboard for now!

  6. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Who can afford to take a teaspoon daily when it costs $24 an ounce???!!!!!!!

    1. Alicia Avatar

      Lots of people – I work for a supplement company and I was amazed at how much money some people actually have. Many people can\’t afford it, but I was shocked as to how many people can lay down several thousand dollars every other month. A little jealous – especially when I hear how some of my customers really benefit from C60.

      1. Jennifer Avatar
        Jennifer

        Silly question I guess , but how do you know if it’s working? Is there a time frame in which the research noticed the benefits? For this price I would like to know when how long to give it a go and when to call it quits.

    2. joel unger Avatar
      joel unger

      its very easy to make for about 1 dollar an ounce directly from alibaba full price

      look on youtube for how to make it yourself

      all of these companies are bold and direcr rip offs

      1. Jess M. Avatar

        Joel – there are plenty of fake producers, C60 Purple Power is not one of them. Learn more at shopc60.com/research and whatisc60.org.

  7. Guy Thackray Avatar
    Guy Thackray

    What research has been done to determine any downsides of C60. It is an man made product being introduced I to our bodies, how does it impact our DNA, for example

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