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 compelling episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—connects three of the most powerful drivers of health and aging: glycation, mitochondria, and cellular energy metabolism. Building on earlier discussions of AGEs and metabolic health, Dr. Reynolds now takes us deep inside the cell to reveal how glycation sabotages the mitochondria—the very engines of life. From chronic fatigue and brain fog to insulin resistance and accelerated aging, impaired mitochondrial function lies at the root of many modern health issues. Dr. Reynolds explains how glycation directly modifies mitochondrial proteins, disrupts electron transport, increases reactive oxygen species, and ultimately chokes off ATP production. Drawing on breakthrough studies, he shows how this cellular sabotage affects everything from muscle performance to brain function—and why even “healthy aging” isn’t immune. This episode also offers a clear path forward. Dr. Reynolds outlines proven strategies to lower glycation and protect mitochondrial health—through blood sugar control, targeted nutrition, and exercise that stimulates mitochondrial renewal. His message is clear: by defending your mitochondria, you can preserve energy, resilience, and metabolic vitality well into later life. Topics Covered: -How glycation damages mitochondrial proteins and membranes -The link between mitochondrial dysfunction, fatigue, and metabolic inflexibility -Methylglyoxal and its rapid impact on energy production -Glycation’s role in neurodegenerative disease and cognitive decline -The loss of mitochondrial biogenesis and its effect on aging -Evidence-based strategies to protect and restore mitochondrial health Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Glycation, Mitochondria & Energy Metabolism 00:37 – Why Glycation Feels Like Biochemical Sabotage 01:18 – Formation of AGEs and Health Impacts 01:58 – Mitochondria Basics: ATP, the Body’s Energy Currency 02:41 – How Mitochondria Make Energy (TCA Cycle & Electron Transport Chain) 03:25 – Mitochondria as Command Hubs for Aging & Survival 04:11 – Glycation Directly Targets Mitochondria 04:52 – Protein Damage & ROS: Energy Short Circuits 05:36 – Research Evidence: Diabetes & Mitochondrial Dysfunction 06:20 – AGEs in Mitochondrial Membranes Reduce ATP 07:03 – Mitochondria, Aging, and the Hallmarks of Disease 07:46 – Why Mitochondria Are Vulnerable to Glycation 08:31 – Methylglyoxal and DNA/Enzyme Damage 09:18 – Real-Life Symptoms: Fatigue & Low Energy 10:01 – Metabolic Inflexibility & Insulin Resistance 10:45 – Brain Effects: Glycation, Mitochondria & Alzheimer’s 11:29 – Reduced Mitochondrial Biogenesis (PGC-1α) 12:14 – Solutions: Lowering Blood Sugar & Diet Strategies 12:56 – Exercise & Mitochondrial Renewal (Biogenesis + Detox Enzymes) 13:39 – Nutrients That Support Mitochondria (ALA, Magnesium, Carnitine, B Vitamins) 14:23 – Closing Thoughts: Glycation as Invisible Sabotage 15:04 – Lifestyle Strategies for Mitochondrial Health 15:45 – Final Takeaway: Stay Curious & Protect Your Energy Whether your goal is sharper thinking, higher energy, or healthier aging, this episode offers the science and solutions you need to keep your cellular engines running strong. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and educator at Brigham Young University, renowned for making complex science accessible and empowering. Through the College of Glycation series, he reveals the hidden biochemical forces that shape our health—and how to counter them. #mitochondria #cellularrespiration #energy #metabolism #energetics #mitochondriahealth #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #InsulinResistance #HealthyAging #SugarDamage #HealthyLiving #KetoDiet #LowCarb #HealthPodcast #AntiAging #Nutrition #BiomedicalScience #BloodSugar #Wellness #HealthTips #SciencePodcast #HealthyEating #CellularHealth #Keto #KetoCommunity 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)