Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and longevity-linked enzymes like sirtuins. Levels of NAD+ decline with age, making it a focus for anti-aging therapies.

NMN & NR: These compounds are NAD+ precursors. A 2022 clinical trial found that NMN supplementation (300–900 mg daily) significantly increased NAD+ levels in adults aged 40–65. In another trial NR supplementation increased NAD+ by around 75% in 12 weeks. Some studies also showed improved walking distance and physical performance.

These trials, while still small, suggest NAD+ boosters can reverse certain age-associated declines. However, long-term effects on lifespan or chronic disease risk remain under investigation.

Senescent cells, also called "zombie cells," stop dividing but don't die. They build up over time, releasing inflammatory molecules that damage tissues.

Fisetin & Quercetin: These plant-derived compounds are under investigation for their ability to selectively kill senescent cells. Early clinical trials have shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving physical function in older adults. Research is ongoing to determine their long-term effects.

Metformin, a widely prescribed medication for managing type 2 diabetes, has attracted considerable attention in the longevity field due to its capacity to mimic aspects of caloric restriction and influence multiple cellular pathways associated with aging.

TAME Trial: The Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial is a groundbreaking study involving 3,000+ participants aged 65–79, designed to test metformin's ability to delay multiple age-related diseases. Observational studies have shown that diabetic patients on metformin often live longer than non-diabetic counterparts.

Spermidine supports autophagy - the process by which cells remove damaged components and renew themselves.
Found in aged cheese, mushrooms, and legumes, spermidine has shown promise in animal studies for enhancing cognitive function and cardiovascular health. Human trials have indicated benefits to memory and inflammation, although large-scale studies are ongoing.

Taurine is an amino acid found in meat, fish, and dairy. A 2023 study in Science reported that taurine supplementation extended lifespan by 10–12% in mice and improved several health metrics.

Although taurine levels decline with age in animals, human data is less clear. Some studies associate higher taurine levels with better metabolic health, but large, randomized human trials are now needed to confirm its efficacy.

To capture changes in healthspan or disease incidence, studies often run for years. They require sustained funding, careful retention, and outcomes sensitive to aging biology.

Giving healthy people experimental supplements for years requires rigorous safety protocols. Researchers must decide whether to test supplements in older adults with declining health or younger adults aiming to prevent age-related issues.

Prioritize supplements that are supported by robust, peer-reviewed human clinical trials. It is advisable to be wary of claims based solely on animal studies, anecdotal testimonials, or purely theoretical biological mechanisms.

Before initiating any new supplement regimen, particularly for long-term use, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified medical doctor or healthcare provider. They can assess potential interactions with existing medications and determine whether a specific supplement is appropriate for your individual health profile and needs.

It is imperative to remember that supplements are, by definition, supplementary to, not replacements for, a fundamentally healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, adequate sleep, and effective stress management techniques remain the most powerful and scientifically validated strategies for extending healthspan.

Lifespan is years lived. Healthspan is the portion of life spent in good health, without chronic disease, disability, or significant loss of independence.

In the U.S., dietary supplements are regulated less strictly than drugs and do not require FDA approval before marketing. Quality and dosage can vary by product.

No supplement is proven to prevent aging in humans. Some may influence aging-related pathways or markers, but claims should be backed by robust human data.

Durations vary. Early studies may run a few months; more definitive trials aimed at healthspan outcomes can span several years or longer.