Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is Not Effective for Increasing Human Longevity
There is no evidence supporting the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for increasing human longevity, and it should not be recommended for this purpose. 1
Current Evidence on HBOT Applications
HBOT is a medical treatment that involves administering 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure (typically 2-3 atmospheres), which enhances oxygen delivery to tissues 2. While this therapy has several legitimate medical applications, longevity enhancement is not among them.
Approved Medical Applications of HBOT
The Underseas and Hyperbaric Medical Society has approved HBOT only for specific conditions:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning 3
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections 3
- Certain wound healing applications, particularly diabetic foot ulcers 3
- Decompression sickness
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (as adjunctive therapy)
Lack of Evidence for Longevity Applications
No clinical guidelines or high-quality studies support the use of HBOT for increasing human lifespan or promoting longevity 1. The available medical literature focuses exclusively on specific pathological conditions rather than general anti-aging or longevity effects.
Potential Risks and Considerations
HBOT is not without risks, which must be weighed against any potential benefits:
- Barotrauma to ears and sinuses
- Oxygen toxicity
- Claustrophobia
- Fire hazards due to increased oxygen concentration
- Significant financial costs and time commitment
- Limited availability of facilities 4
Evidence Quality Assessment
The strongest evidence for HBOT exists for its established medical indications:
- For necrotizing soft tissue infections, a retrospective analysis showed statistically significant reduction in mortality (RR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.30–0.74), though higher-quality research is still needed 3
- For carbon monoxide poisoning, evidence suggests possible neurological benefit, but remains unproven in rigorous studies 3
- For diabetic foot ulcers, some evidence suggests HBOT may increase healing incidence, though further blinded studies are needed to confirm cost-effectiveness 3
A systematic review of HBOT for necrotizing soft tissue infections concluded that the evidence is "poor and biased" with a "strong need for randomized controlled trials" 5.
Conclusion
HBOT has specific, evidence-based medical applications for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, necrotizing infections, and certain wound healing scenarios. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting its use for increasing human longevity or as an anti-aging intervention.
Those interested in evidence-based approaches to healthy aging should instead focus on well-established interventions such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.