Longevity is a subject that has interested humans for centuries. From ancient alchemists searching for the elixir of life to modern scientists studying the biology of aging, there has been a persistent desire to extend the human lifespan.
While there is no magic pill or fountain of youth, studies of some supplements show promising findings in their potential to promote longevity.
This article will examine the science behind some of the most promising supplements for living longer.
Before we dive into specific supplements, it’s essential to understand the mechanisms of aging. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage are just a few factors contributing to the complicated aging process. Over time, these things can cause cells, tissues, and organs to break down, leading to diseases that come with getting older, like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Supplements for longevity aim to address these underlying factors by supporting healthy cellular function and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. While some of these supplements appear to have promising effects in animal studies, it’s important to note that human studies are still limited.
More research is needed to understand their long-term effects on human health fully.
Resveratrol is one of the most widely used longevity supplements. This polyphenol is present in grapes, berries, and peanuts. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In tests on animals, resveratrol makes them live longer and improves health indicators like insulin sensitivity and brain function. However, human studies have been mixed, with some showing benefits and others showing no significant effects on health or longevity.
Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, is another well-liked supplement for longevity. Curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may also promote cognitive health and cardiovascular wellness.
Curcumin has been shown in studies on animals to make them live longer and improve health indicators like brain function and heart health.
However, human studies have been mixed, with some showing benefits and others showing no significant effects on health or longevity.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is another supplement that has been looked at to see if it might help people live longer. NAD+ is a coenzyme that is very important for cell metabolism and making energy.
As we age, the amount of NAD+ in our bodies decreases, which can cause cell damage and speed up the aging process. In animal trials, supplementing with NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) causes an increase in NAD+ levels and improves markers of health.
According to limited human studies and some preliminary research, NAD+ supplementation may enhance cardiovascular health and cognitive function in older adults.
Another supplement that has the potential to promote longevity is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are an important fatty acid that has been shown to improve brain and cardiovascular health.
In studies on animals, giving omega-3 supplements extends their lives and improves health indicators like brain function and heart health. Human studies have also shown promising effects, with omega-3s linked to reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.
There is a need for additional research to establish the optimal quantity and kind of omega-3 for maximizing longevity.
Finally, probiotics are another supplement studied for their potential to promote longevity. Probiotics are gut-dwelling microorganisms that are crucial to digestive health and immune function. In animal trials, probiotic supplementation seems to increase lifespan and improve markers of health, such as immune