HoldsUp

Paul Saladino MD · 2026-08-07 · Paul Saladino (host), Tristan Scott

This Invisible Light Restores Your Mitochondria (Science-Backed)

11 research-tied claims examined: 3 context 5 supported 1 corroborated online 2 unverified

5

Supported by research

0:02:01Tristan Scottsupportedmoderate

Infrared light penetrates deep into cells, restores mitochondrial function, and helps clear reactive oxygen species.

"it penetrates—it's a longer wavelength—penetrates deep into our cells and it's very restorative for our mitochondria, helps clean up reactive oxygen species and really balances out the higher energy wavelengths such as the high energy visible blue, violet and then the ultraviolet" (said at 0:02:01)

Photobiomodulation literature confirms that longer wavelengths in the red and near-infrared (NIR) spectrum (approx. 600–1100 nm) penetrate deeper into tissues and cells than shorter wavelengths (such as blue or UV). The primary chromophore is mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV). Absorption of NIR light enhances mitochondrial electron transport, restores proton-motive force, and increases ATP synthesis. In addition, NIR exposure produces a transient, low-level signaling burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that activates the Nrf2 pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and ultimately decreasing overall oxidative stress in stressed cells.

0:05:17Tristan Scottsupportedmoderate

Standard low-emissivity residential window glass blocks almost all infrared light past 850 nanometers.

"we took it behind a normal glass sliding door and the infrared component of this spectrum has gone down significantly. Anything past 850 nanometers pretty much gone." (said at 0:05:17)

Low-emissivity (low-E) and spectrally selective architectural window coatings are engineered to transmit visible light (approximately 380–780 nm) while reflecting near-infrared solar radiation (beginning around 750–850 nm) and far-infrared thermal radiation to prevent heat transfer into buildings. In contrast to uncoated clear float glass—which transmits near-infrared radiation up to ~2,500 nm—modern residential solar-control low-E coatings exhibit a sharp drop in transmittance past the edge of the visible spectrum (~800–850 nm), significantly blocking transmitted near-infrared radiation.

0:11:17Tristan Scottsupportedvery low

Studies demonstrate that isolated blue light exposure causes mitochondrial death, which is counteracted by the reintroduction of longer red wavelengths.

"there are a few studies kind of looking into this and they show mitochondrial death due to isolated blue light exposure. And then once they add back in the red or the longer wavelengths, they didn't even look into infrared. It's mostly red that it kind of created more of a balanced uh cellular response." (said at 0:11:17)

Preclinical and in vitro studies support the claim that isolated blue light exposure impairs mitochondrial function and triggers mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (cell death) in sensitive retinal cells, whereas subsequent or concurrent exposure to longer red wavelengths (such as 670 nm) improves mitochondrial respiration, reduces oxidative stress, and rescues cells from blue light-induced damage. Because this evidence is derived primarily from cell cultures and animal models, certainty is graded as very low.

  • supports: Photobiomodulation Mediates Neuroprotection against Blue Light Induced Retinal Photorecept… (International journal of molecular sciences 2020) · cited 54x in the literature
    "Here, we demonstrate a comprehensive cellular, molecular, and functional characterization of neuroprotective effects of 670 nm RL and 810 nm near-infrared light (NIRL) on blue light damaged murine primary photoreceptors. We show that respiratory chain complexes I and II are additional PBM targets, besides complex IV, leading to enhanced mitochondrial energy metabolism. Accordingly, our study identified mitochondria related RL- and NIRL-triggered defense mechanisms promoting photoreceptor neuroprotection. The observed improvement of mitochondrial and extramitochondrial respiration in both inner and outer segments is linked with reduced oxidative stress including its cellular consequences and reduced mitochondria-induced apoptosis." (abstract, results, passage verified)
    pubmedfull study (doi)
0:12:36Tristan Scottsupportedhigh

The 60 Hz AC electrical grid causes standard LED bulbs to flicker on and off at a frequency of 120 Hz.

"the flicker percentage here at 120 Hz is a result of our electrical power grid, which is at 60 Hz, and that's causing the light the LED light to flicker on and off." (said at 0:12:36)

The speaker's statement is accurate and supported by electrical engineering literature. In standard 60 Hz AC electrical grids, the voltage polarity alternates 60 times per second, producing two voltage peaks per cycle. When AC power is converted to DC for solid-state LED lighting using full-wave rectification or direct AC drivers, current ripple and light modulation occur at twice the line frequency (120 Hz). Unless filtered by large smoothing capacitors or complex driver circuitry, this double-line-frequency current ripple causes temporal light modulation (flicker) at 120 Hz.

0:20:02Tristan Scottsupportedmoderate

OLED iPhones released after the iPhone 11 use pulse width modulation flickering at approximately 400 Hz to control screen brightness.

"an iPhone that is past the iPhone 11 because as you can see, this is the light modulation on your phone and that's because they're using what's called pulse width modulation to actually change the brightness, control the brightness at electronics level more efficiently, more accurately and it's similar to that LED light in terms of it's actually just turning on and off very rapidly, but at a slightly higher frequency around like 400 Hz for this iPhone" (said at 0:20:02)

The speaker claims that OLED iPhones released after the iPhone 11 utilize pulse width modulation (PWM) to control brightness by cycling light on and off rapidly at approximately 400 Hz. OLED displays commonly implement PWM dimming in smartphones, operating at low frequencies (typically ranging from around 240 Hz to ~480 Hz depending on the specific model and brightness level, matching the ~400 Hz figure described). Technical studies of OLED smartphone displays evaluate dimming frequencies starting around 360 Hz to assess visual fatigue and brightness control.

Unverified means no publication matching the claim was located; it does not prove the claim false. Spotted an error? See the corrections policy - disputes from the people quoted are prioritized.