---
title: "Ergothioneine: an underrecognised dietary micronutrient required…"
description: "Ergothioneine, an antioxidant found in certain foods, is linked to better health outcomes in older adults and may be an essential nutrient for healthy…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38018890.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38018890.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38018890.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d38018890"
journal: "Br J Nutr"
year: 2023
pmid: "38018890"
doi: "10.1017/S0007114522003592"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Ergothioneine: an underrecognised dietary micronutrient required for healthy ageing?

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Br J Nutr |
| Year | 2023 |
| PMID | [38018890](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38018890/) |
| DOI | [10.1017/S0007114522003592](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522003592) |
| Study key | d38018890 |

## Takeaway

Ergothioneine, an antioxidant found in certain foods, is linked to better health outcomes in older adults and may be an essential nutrient for healthy aging.

## The question

Should ergothioneine be considered a conditionally essential micronutrient for healthy aging?

## Hypothesis

The authors hypothesize that dietary ergothioneine plays critical roles in healthy aging and the prevention of cardiometabolic disease, suggesting it may be a conditionally essential micronutrient.

## Methods

This is a review article that synthesizes existing evidence regarding ergothioneine's physiological functions, its role as a cellular antioxidant and cytoprotectant, and its associations with health outcomes in humans and animals.

## Results

Ergothioneine is acquired from the diet via the SLC22A4 transporter, which also reabsorbs it in the kidney. It acts as an antioxidant, chelates metals, and may regulate Nrf2 activity. Genetic knockout of SLC22A4 increases susceptibility to oxidative stress. In humans, blood levels decline after age 60, and lower levels are linked to faster cognitive decline. High plasma ergothioneine is associated with reduced cardiovascular and overall mortality risks.

## Conclusion

The evidence reviewed suggests critical roles for dietary ergothioneine in healthy aging and preventing cardiometabolic disease, supporting the consideration of ergothioneine as a conditionally essential micronutrient.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state limitations of the reviewed studies or the review itself, but it does mention 'outstanding research questions in the field'.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> high plasma ergothioneine levels associated with reduced overall mortality

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ergothioneine (L-Ergo) | Moderate evidence | [Ergothioneine (L-Ergo)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/108.md) |

## Reference

1. **Ergothioneine: an underrecognised dietary micronutrient required for healthy ageing?**
   Br J Nutr 2023 · [PMID 38018890](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38018890/) · [DOI 10.1017/S0007114522003592](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522003592)

   > high plasma ergothioneine levels associated with reduced overall mortality

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Ergothioneine (L-Ergo)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/108.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: plasma ergothioneine, cytoprotection](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s108.md)
- [Ergothioneine promotes longevity and healthy aging in male mice](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38446314.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).