The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
In this pivotal episode of the College of Glycation, Dr. Paul Reynolds examines how glycation accelerates muscle decline—and how you can fight back. Glycation, the sugar-fueled process behind advanced glycation end products (AGEs), doesn’t just affect your skin or organs—it weakens your muscles from the inside out. By crosslinking proteins, stiffening connective tissue, and disrupting insulin signaling, AGEs undermine strength, repair, and mobility—especially as we age. With clarity and scientific depth, Dr. Reynolds reveals how glycation sabotages muscle fibers, blunts anabolic pathways like Akt/mTOR, and promotes insulin resistance. The result? Slower recovery, reduced power, and accelerated sarcopenia. But the good news: exercise, diet, and targeted antioxidants can slow, and even reverse, this molecular sabotage. Drawing from cutting-edge research, this episode explores how resistance training and smart nutrition lower AGEs, enhance insulin sensitivity, and preserve muscle function well into older age. Whether you’re an athlete, aging adult, or simply want to maintain strength for life, Dr. Reynolds breaks down practical strategies to protect your muscles at the cellular level. Topics Covered: -How glycation crosslinks collagen and stiffens muscle tissue -The link between AGEs, insulin resistance, and muscle atrophy -Why aging muscles lose their repair capacity -How glycation disrupts Akt/mTOR signaling and protein synthesis -Exercise strategies: resistance and aerobic training for AGE reduction -Nutrition tactics to minimize dietary AGEs and support recovery -Natural compounds and antioxidants that block or break AGE crosslinks Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Glycation and Muscle Health 00:35 – How Glycation Accelerates Muscle Decline 01:13 – What Glycation Actually Is 01:55 – How AGEs Build Up and Harm Muscle Function 02:36 – Why Muscle Health Declines With Age (Sarcopenia) 03:21 – The Role of Glycation in Muscle Weakness 04:04 – Collagen Cross-Linking and Muscle Stiffness 04:47 – Impaired Muscle Repair and Growth 05:29 – How Glycation Disrupts Muscle Regeneration 06:15 – Fast vs. Slow Muscle Fibers and Aging 06:57 – Insulin’s Role in Muscle Protein Metabolism 07:41 – Insulin Resistance and Muscle Decline 08:24 – The RAGE Pathway and MTOR Signaling Disruption 09:07 – Insulin Resistance Research Findings 09:48 – Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Glycation 10:32 – How Resistance Training Reverses Glycation Damage 11:16 – Lowering HbA1C Through Exercise 12:01 – Combining Resistance and Aerobic Training 12:46 – Dietary Glycation and Food Choices 13:32 – Antioxidants and AGE-Blocking Compounds 14:16 – Protein Sources and Nutrient Strategies 15:04 – Carb Management and Consistent Habits 15:45 – Key Takeaways: Fighting Glycation Through Lifestyle 16:26 – Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Paul Reynolds is a Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University. Through The College of Glycation series, he demystifies the hidden biochemical processes behind chronic disease and aging—empowering you with science-based tools to fight back. For more insights on glycation, insulin resistance, and metabolic health, subscribe to The College of Glycation and continue learning with Dr. Reynolds. #muscle #musclehealth #sarcopenia #strength #glycation #AGEs #mtor #RAGE #insulinresistance #oxidativestress #inflammation #cellularhealth #lowcarb #ketodiet #collegeofglycation #antiglycation #antiaging #nutrition #healthpodcast #biomedicalscience #healthyaging #wellness #sciencepodcast #healthybody #fitaging #resistancetraining #bloodsugar #metabolichealth #healthyhabits Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/C63EE3 Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, elecrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)