10 Bogus Longevity Supplements You Shouldn't Waste Your Money On & 10 That Actually Work
10 Bogus Longevity Supplements You Shouldn't Waste Your Money On & 10 That Actually Work
Want To Live Longer?
Who doesn't want eternal youth to come in a handy daily capsule? Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a magical pill that will stop aging, no matter what wild claims are being written on supplement bottles. But not everything is fraudulent; there are some compounds whose anti-aging properties are backed by science. Here are 10 bogus longevity supplements you should skip and 10 that actually show promise.
1. Daily Multivitamins
There's no evidence to suggest that taking multivitamins will help you live longer or prevent disease. In fact, they offer no significant health benefits at all, except for people with nutritional gaps or malabsorption.
National Institute of Standards and Technology on Wikimedia
2. NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme involved in essential metabolic processes that declines with age. It's marketed as a longevity supplement, but there's no definitive proof that it makes you live longer or prevents disease.
3. Spermidine
Spermidine is a natural compound occurring in all living things, which is crucial for cell growth and regeneration. Although it's marketed for longevity, studies have found that supplementation doesn't actually increase spermidine levels in the body and may not offer any health benefits.
4. NMN
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor to NAD+, a critical molecule for cell function. It's been marketed as a longevity pill, but the FDA has revoked its status as a dietary supplement due to insufficient evidence.
5. Collagen Pills
Collagen is a protein in the body that gives your skin elasticity and acts as a key building block for muscles, bones, and tendons. It declines with age, but there's not enough evidence to suggest that collagen supplementation has anti-aging effects.
6. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a compound found in the skin of red grapes and other berries. It's been researched for its potential antioxidant qualities, and while it's available as an anti-aging supplement, it hasn't shown any credible results for longevity.
7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent cell damage and boost the immune system. It's sold in supplement form, but high doses may actually be harmful, and there's no conclusive evidence that they're effective for disease prevention.
8. DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor to male and female sex hormones, which decline with age. It's sold as an anti-aging supplement, but studies have not found it to be effective for longevity.
9. Stem Cell Supplements
Stem cell supplements claim to boost the production of stem cells in the body, enhancing the immune system and the body's ability to heal. However, there's limited evidence backing up claims that these products can increase the body's stem cells.
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10. Antioxidant Megadoses
Antioxidant megadoses are extensively marketed for longevity, with supplement companies claiming they boost immunity, reverse aging, and prevent chronic diseases. However, overloading on antioxidants can actually disrupt the body's natural processes and do more harm than good.
Now that we've discussed some of the bogus "anti-aging" supplements you should avoid, let's talk about the ones that may actually be beneficial for longevity.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for keeping bones healthy, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. It also supports immune function, heart health, and cognition.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids support longevity by supporting cognitive function as we age. They also reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and improve blood vessel function, all of which contribute to a healthy heart.
3. Curcumin
The active compound in turmeric, curcumin's anti-aging benefits that come mainly from its anti-inflammatory properties. It supports heart health, protects the brain, and may help maintain healthy joints.
4. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract has a high concentration of antioxidants and compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress, promote cellular repair, and reduce inflammation. It also supports heart health, brain function, and metabolism.
5. Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in algae that protects cells from oxidative stress. It's also been shown to support the skin, heart, eyes, joints, and brain.
6. Nicotinamide Riboside
Nicotinamide riboside is a form of vitamin B that helps boost NAD+ levels, which are thought to contribute to a healthy metabolism and DNA regeneration, things that decline with age. Studies have shown promising results in enhancing cell strength, energy, and promoting healthy aging.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and plays a crucial role in collagen production, which supports the skin and joints. It also supports immunity and helps your body fight inflammation.
8. Probiotics
Probiotics help longevity by supporting a healthy gut microbiome. This plays a role in nutrient absorption, inflammation, immunity, metabolic processes, and brain function.
9. Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in energy production, DNA repair, and muscle function. It also supports the heart by regulating blood pressure and heart rhythm, as well as improving sleep and reducing stress.
10. CoQ10
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) has shown promising results for promoting longevity by enhancing cellular energy and protecting the cells. CoQ10 supplements may also reduce the risk of heart disease.
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