Longevity Series Part 3 – Supercharge Your Lifespan with Supplements
So what are the best longevity stimulating supplements?
What does the science tell us?
NOTE: This blog is based on information from David Sinclair, MD from his Lifespan podcast. To review, sirtuins are the defensive proteins that protect the genome.
Sirtuins repair DNA damage and maintain the epigenome. Your epigenome regulates genetic activity and determines which genes are turned on and which are turned off.
We previously shared that sirtuins can be stimulated with fasting ( Longevity Series Part 2 ) and now we want to share how to activate them with supplements.
NAD or Vitamin B3 is a molecule in our cells that is vital to energy production. We would be dead without it. It is responsible for hydrogen transfer in the cell and plays an important role in activating the sirtuins.
NAD+ is a coenzyme working as an essential partner in cellular energy production. As a coenzyme, NAD+ works alongside several enzymes in the mitochondrial membrane, hence the prefix “-co” in its name. They work synergistically to help fuel the “cellular machine” that creates the energy needed by every major function in your body on a cellular level.
Research in 2012 from a team at the Department of Pharmacology at the University of New South Wales showed age-associated changes in NAD metabolism. The study revealed NAD+ levels decline by up to 50% in human skin tissue between the ages of 40-60 and that NAD+ depletion may play an important role in the aging process.
Nicotinamide riboside ( NR ) is an alternative form of vitamin B3 with few side effects. It is commonly marketed as an anti-aging product.
Your body converts it into NAD+, which fuels all of your cells. While NAD+ levels fall naturally with age, boosting NAD+ levels may reverse several signs of aging.
However, most research on nicotinamide riboside and NAD+ is in animals. More high-quality human studies are needed before recommending it as a treatment.
One natural way to boost NAD is through exercise.
The other option is through supplements or NAD boosters.
Options for NAD boosters:
Option 1:
NR supplements.
NR is a precursor to NAD, meaning that it serves as a “building block” to make the NAD+ molecule. Its discovery as a vitamin precursor of NAD+ in 2004 makes it one of the latest breakthroughs in NAD+ research.
NR is a naturally occurring vitamin as a novel form of vitamin B3, but its applications as a supplement have gained headwinds as a “healthy aging” vitamin. It’s highly efficient at elevating NAD, making it one of the most exciting interventions in healthy aging solutions.
Niagen®, a nature-identical patented form of NR, effectively elevates NAD+ levels. A clinical trial published in Scientific Reports shows that Niagen® increases NAD+ up to 50% after two weeks.
Studies have shown that yeast live 30% longer with it and mice live 9% longer with it with increased mitochondrial proliferation.
Few studies yet to confirm in humans. NR does increase NAD in 9-10 days yet short term studies only. Evidence that it lowers inflammation and controls sugars better
Option 2:
NMN supplements
Works better than NR.
10-15% longer life in mice.
Few studies to confirm in humans.
Option 3:
Resveratrol supplements
Many studies on its potent antioxidant effects.
Anti cancer
Balances sugars
Decreases cholesterol
Increased longevity they sirtuin activation
Option 4:
Quercetin supplements.
Promotes autophagy.
Kills cinecent cells or dysfunctional “zombie cells” which can be precancerous cells.
Reduces inflammation
Option 5:
Metforman
This is a medication for type 2 diabetes that has been shown to improve health and increase longevity.
People on this medication can actually live longer than those not on it.
Berberin can mimic the effects of Metforman but need 1-2 grams per day.
Option 6:
Senolytic activator formulations.
Compounds with anti aging benefits like the flavonoid, Fisetin
Senolytics promote your body’s ability to clear senescent cells.
Life Extension Senolytic Activator Formula. Click HERE
So what prescription should you follow?
David Sinclair, MD , a geneticist at Harvard and the host of the Lifespan podcast, takes:
- Resveratrol 1 gram with yogurt in AM
- NMN 1 gram(doubles NAD level at 1 g)
- Take in AM as that is when NAD and cirtuin levels should rise
- Metforman 800 mg in PM.
- 1/2 gram quercetin in AM
- Spermadine in AM 1g