Red Light: The Missing Nutrient

Can light be a nutrient?

Light is a biological input: it doesn't just power life, it informs it. In modern indoor living, we can end up with plenty of calories and micronutrients, but far less daily exposure to the broad spectrum of natural light that helped shape human physiology over millennia.

In plants, light is literally the raw input that enables photosynthesis, allowing them to manufacture their own "nutrition." In animals, light still matters, but differently: it can act as a catalyst that boosts bioenergetics (e.g., ATP production), and also functions as a timing signal, entraining central and peripheral clocks across cells, tissues, and organs. including the skin and even oral tissues, where saliva and teeth sit at the intersection of metabolism, immunity, and daily rhythm.

The "Missing Nutrient" Idea

Calling red and near‑infrared (NIR) light a "missing nutrient" means light can act as an energetic + informational ingredient that supports cellular function when delivered at appropriate parameters, while also fitting into the broader role of light as a circadian timing cue that helps coordinate central and peripheral clocks across cells, tissues, and organs.

Because circadian timing is coordinated through hormones and neurochemical signals, light exposure can indirectly shape hormone patterns (most famously melatonin suppression with evening/night light and day–night patterning of cortisol), which then cross-talk with metabolism—appetite and nutrient handling, body composition over time, and even cardiorespiratory physiology that influences oxygen delivery and uptake.

The Red Light Target: A Mitochondrial Enzyme

A central hypothesis in photobiomodulation (PBM) is that red/NIR photons are absorbed by endogenous chromophores, including cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in mitochondria. [2, 3]

In this sense, light can act like a catalyst, helping existing cellular systems (bioenergetics and signaling) shift toward a more favourable state rather than "adding" anything new.

Proposed downstream effects include:

• Changes in electron transport and mitochondrial membrane potential, supporting ATP production. [1, 2]
• In mitochondrial terms, that means improving oxygen uptake for cellular respiration, as red/NIR light is proposed to help cells use available oxygen more efficiently to make energy. [1, 2]
• Modulation of nitric oxide (NO) interactions with CCO—potentially restoring electron flow while increasing local NO availability. [1]
• Secondary signaling via small shifts in ROS and calcium, influencing gene expression and adaptive cellular responses. [2, 3]

The Biphasic Response, A.K.A. Light's "Sweet Spot"

Red light therapy often shows a biphasic dose response: too little may do nothing; too much may blunt or reverse benefits. [4, 5] That's why wavelength, irradiance, distance, time, and frequency matter, not just "using red light." [1, 5]

The Facts

Red light therapy has been studied across dermatology, performance, recovery, oral tissue health, and more. [3]

• Skin: Some studies suggest red and near‑infrared light may help with things like fine lines, skin texture, and collagen over time. [6] People using it at home have also reported gradual improvements after using it for weeks or months. [7]
• Recovery: Research hints that it may help with exercise recovery and performance, but the results depend a lot on how it is used. [8] A common idea across studies is that it may help calm inflammation and reduce oxidative stress. [2]
• Oral tissues: Early research suggests red light may support energy production in cells and help dial down inflammation in gum-related tissues. [9]

The Summary

• Prioritise light therapy consistency over intensity. [4, 5]
• Use evidence‑aligned parameters (wavelength, distance, duration, frequency). [1, 5]
• Pair light with rhythm: bright daylight earlier; gentler, dim warm‑spectrum evenings.

BON CHARGE: This content is for general education and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow product instructions and consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance tailored to you. Individual results may vary.

References

1. de Freitas, L. F. & Hamblin, M. R. Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 22, 7000417 (2016).
2. Hamblin, M. R. Mechanisms and mitochondrial redox signaling in photobiomodulation. Photochem. Photobiol. 94, 199–212 (2018).
3. Dompe, C. et al. Photobiomodulation—Underlying mechanism and clinical applications. J. Clin. Med. 9, 1724 (2020).
4. Huang, Y.-Y., Chen, A. C.-H., Carroll, J. D. & Hamblin, M. R. Biphasic dose response in low level light therapy. Dose Response 7, 358–383 (2009).
5. Zein, R., Selting, W. & Hamblin, M. R. Review of light parameters and photobiomodulation efficacy: dive into complexity. J. Biomed. Opt. 23, 120901 (2018).
6. Wunsch, A. & Matuschka, K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed. Laser Surg. 32, 93–100 (2014).
7. Couturaud, V., Le Fur, M., Pelletier, M. & Granotier, F. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Res. Technol. 29, e13391 (2023).
8. Leal-Junior, E. C. P. et al. Effect of phototherapy (low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy) on exercise performance and markers of exercise recovery: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Lasers Med. Sci. 30, 925–939 (2015).
9. Yamauchi, N. et al. High-intensity red light-emitting diode irradiation suppresses the inflammatory response of human periodontal ligament stem cells by promoting intracellular ATP synthesis. Life 12, 736 (2022).