Immortality has fascinated humanity for years. Tales abound of mythical streams and trees that supposedly prolong the average lifespan. You’ve probably also read about legendary historical characters that outlived their generations.
The eternal quest for immortality has triggered a demand for longevity supplements in the recent past. Roadside billboards and television screens are awash with advertisements hyping lifespan-enhancing products.
But if you’ve never tried longevity supplements before, you’re probably wondering if these products really work. Well, your concerns shall be the focus of this article.
Read on as we uncover the science behind lifespan-improving supplements while highlighting several well-studied longevity compounds.
What Are Longevity Supplements?
Longevity supplements are exactly what the name denotes - supplements designed to improve the average lifespan. These products typically contain compounds that have been scientifically proven to increase the human life expectancy.
Most lifespan-enhancing compounds occur naturally in plants and animals. However, these substances tend to exist in trace amounts in their natural forms, making it difficult to meet the recommended daily intake (RDI). And that’s where supplementation comes in.
Longevity supplements help to boost your blood levels of lifespan-prolonging compounds. The products are particularly useful when you cannot meet your RDI of essential anti-aging substances. They also help to replenish depleted levels of certain anti-aging compounds naturally secreted by the body, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
Noteworthy Examples of Longevity Compounds
There are dozens of anti-aging compounds you could find in longevity supplements. It’s important to research these substances extensively to understand their physiological effects, including their perceived therapeutic properties and adverse reactions.
NAD is one of the most common ingredients you’ll find in longevity products. The molecule is naturally secreted by cells in the body. However, its production gradually slows down.
By the age of fifty, most people can naturally produce half the amount of NAD as they did in their teenage years. The surest way to improve the molecule’s levels is through dietary supplements.
NAD exists in two redox variants: the oxidized form (NAD+) and the reduced form (NADH). NAD+ is the more bioactive form.
Other staple ingredients in longevity supplements besides nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide include resveratrol, curcumin, metformin, rapamycin, fisetin, and pterostilbene.
How Do Longevity Supplements Work?
The first step to understanding how anti-aging compounds work is to familiarize yourself with free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable atoms that result from various metabolic processes. These atoms exist as protein, lipid, and DNA components, as well as some reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Free radicals are relatively safe within certain levels. Besides, the body has various mechanisms for expelling them. But when free radicals accumulate beyond certain thresholds, they may trigger a phenomenon called oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress causes cell and DNA damage, increasing predisposition to illness and aging. The phenomenon is associated with a host of chronic illnesses, including heart and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) like arteriosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Longevity supplements contain powerful compounds that combat oxidative stress by reversing the adverse effects of free radicals in the body.
Anti-aging compounds may also boost longevity reactively by addressing certain symptoms of premature aging.
For instance, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have been widely studied for their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming these compounds may prevent further nerve damage for people with neurodegenerative disorders. It might also help to alleviate the symptoms for those battling inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
A Review of Selected Longevity Compounds
As already indicated, the efficacy of a longevity supplement depends on the specific anti-aging compounds in the product. The active ingredients in such products serve two fundamental goals - preventing oxidative stress and helping to manage the symptoms of age-related illnesses. However, each compound differs in how it affects the body’s physiology.
Here’s a look at common lifespan-enhancing substances and how they might add a few more years to your life expectancy;
1. NAD
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide may improve longevity in various ways. However, this naturally secreted coenzyme is particularly effective at improving insulin sensitivity.
Various studies have linked high insulin sensitivity to increased oxidative stress resistance and, consequently, low mortality.
NAD may also extend longevity by improving mitochondrial functions. In this way, the molecule helps to guard against cellular dysfunctions caused by impaired mitochondrial respiration.
2. Resveratrol
Unlike NAD, produced in the body, resveratrol comes exclusively from plants. It’s another common ingredient you’ll find in anti-aging supplements.
Resveratrol improves longevity by inducing the expression of sirtuin receptors. Sirtuin receptors regulate the signaling of sirtuin, a protein associated with a higher lifespan.
Sirtuin improves life expectancy by impacting various longevity-regulating genes, such as the Forkhead transcription factor (FOXO). It also activates the histone deacetylase silent information regulator 2 (Sir2).
3. Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is a stilbenoid in plants whose anti-aging properties have been extensively investigated. Findings suggest the compound mainly prolongs lifespan by activating certain pathways associated with aging, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).
Pterostilbene-containing supplements are also involved in regulating energy metabolism and cellular functions.
Consuming these products may slow down the proliferation of malignant cells among cancer patients, thereby prolonging their lifespan.
Wrap Up
Longevity supplements contain potent compounds known to prolong the average human lifespan. One way to max out on these products is to select those containing a broad spectrum of anti-aging ingredients.
It’s also prudent to insist on a high-quality supplement with fewer artificial additives. That way, you can unlock the product’s anti-aging benefits without experiencing severe adverse reactions.
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