The best supplements for longevity can make all the difference in your quality of life. They can improve your brain health, heart health, joint health, skin health, and more.
But what are longevity supplements? Do they really extend your lifespan?
Today we will talk about what longevity supplements are, as well as the best supplements for longevity that you can add into your daily routine.
What are longevity supplements?
Longevity supplements are dietary products that are believed to promote longer and healthier lives.
These supplements often contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbal ingredients that may help support cellular health, reduce oxidative stress, enhance metabolism, or improve overall well-being.
While there's no miracle pill for extending life, these the best supplements for longevity may enhance your life by improving your overall functioning and slowing the progression of chronic diseases.
Healthy aging goes beyond just avoiding illness or preventing falls; it also involves being able to participate in activities we love, cherish quality time with our loved ones, and maintain a sense of purpose and enthusiasm as we age.
When selecting the best supplements for longevity , it's important to keep in mind that most supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means there is little oversight regarding their ingredients and whether they meet their advertised claims.
Some products might not contain the active ingredients they promise, and could even include harmful substances, like heavy metals, that aren't disclosed on the label.
Therefore, it’s vital to choose supplements that have been third-party tested or recommended by trusted health professionals, rather than solely relying on marketing claims.
Lastly, it is important to note that while the best longevity supplements may improve your quality of life, they cannot replace a poor diet or lack of exercise. It’s important to take the best supplements for longevity alongside other healthy lifestyle choices for best results.
Now that you know what longevity supplements are, let’s discuss the best supplements for longevity.
The XX best supplements for longevity
Here are the very best longevity supplements to take for improving and extending your quality of life.
1. Collagen
As you age, your collagen production naturally starts to slow down, which can leave you with a collagen deficiency. This is bad news for aging, because collagen is in control of your skin elasticity, your joint health, and much, much more.
As you start to notice more aches, pains, and wrinkles, it may be time to look into collagen’s anti-aging properties. It is simply one of the best supplements for longevity.
Supplementing with collagen can boost your own natural collagen production and reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and dry skin.
Collagen can also improve your joint health, reducing aches from arthritis, improving structural integrity, and reducing the chance of injury from falls.
If you want to know how to increase collagen production, you should take a regular hydrolyzed collagen supplement. Ideally one that is medical-grade.
2. Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric. It has powerful antioxidant properties which can help to protect your body’s cells.
When your cells stop dividing as you age, a process called cellular senescence occurs. This accumulation of senescent cells is thought to be one of the biggest causes of aging. Not only can it accelerate aging, it can also cause diseases to progress.
Research has shown that curcumin helps delay cellular senescence, which makes it one of the best supplements for longevity.
In animal studies, curcumin has been shown to combat cellular damage and significantly increase life span. Perhaps it can do the same for humans as well!
You can increase your curcumin intake by using fresh or dried turmeric in food, drinking golden milk lattes, or taking turmeric or curcumin supplements.
3. EGCG
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol compound found in green tea. It is one of the best supplements for longevity because it can reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease among other benefits.
EGCG works by restoring mitochondrial function in cells and inducing autophagy, which is the process that allows your body to remove damaged cell materials.
Drinking green tea may also protect against skin aging and reduce sun spots. Better yet, studies have shown that daily green tea intake may slow brain aging by reducing stress and activating your nerve cells.
You can get EGCG in your diet by drinking green tea or taking concentrated green tea extract supplements.
4. CoQ10
Next on our list of the best supplements for longevity is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally, but just like with collagen, your production slows down as you age.
CoQ10 plays an important role in energy production and protects against cellular damage. It works by reducing oxidative stress, which has been known to accelerate the aging process.
A study in 443 older adults found that supplementing with CoQ10 improved overall quality of life, reduced hospital visits, and slowed physical and mental deterioration significantly.
CoQ10 supplements may also benefit heart health by reducing arterial stiffness, lowering blood pressure, and lowering the oxidized cholesterol in your arteries.
5. Nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are precursors to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital compound present in every cell of your body.
NAD+ is essential for numerous critical functions, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and gene expression. However, its levels decrease with age, which may contribute to faster physical decline and the development of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
Research indicates that NMN and NR can help restore NAD+ levels and counteract age-related cellular changes, making this combo one of the best supplements for longevity.
A 30-day study involving both mice and a small group of individuals aged 45 to 60 showed that NMN supplementation significantly increased telomere length in both groups. Since telomere shortening is a key factor in the aging process, these results are noteworthy.
Telomere shortening refers to the gradual reduction in the length of telomeres, which are protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres help maintain chromosome integrity during cell division, preventing DNA from fraying or fusing with other chromosomes.
Every time a cell divides, its telomeres become shorter. Over time, as they shorten beyond a critical length, cells can no longer divide properly. This process is linked to aging and has been associated with various age-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders.
6. Crocin
Crocin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in saffron. It is also one of the best supplements for longevity.
Research involving both humans and animals indicates that crocin provides numerous health benefits, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antidiabetic effects. It may also help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Additionally, crocin has been shown to protect human skin cells from aging by reducing inflammation and guarding against cellular damage caused by UV exposure.
Given that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, taking a concentrated saffron supplement may be a more cost-effective option.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. It also plays key roles in immune function, regulating inflammation, and various other processes crucial for healthy aging. This makes it one of the best supplements for longevity.
A study involving 80 adults with an average age of 60 found that those with higher blood levels of vitamin C performed better on tasks related to attention, focus, memory, decision-making, recall, and recognition.
Additionally, vitamin C is vital for skin health. Supplementing may enhance skin hydration, promote collagen production, and protect against wrinkles and premature aging caused by sun exposure.
Since older adults are at a higher risk for inadequate or deficient vitamin C levels compared to younger individuals, they might want to consider supplements, particularly if their diet lacks vitamin C-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is considered one of the best supplements for longevity for several reasons.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage and contribute to aging and age-related diseases.
It also plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, which can decline with age. A robust immune response helps protect against infections and chronic diseases.
Some studies suggest that vitamin E may support cardiovascular health by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a factor in heart disease.
Vitamin E can also promote skin health by improving hydration, reducing inflammation, and protecting against UV damage, all of which can contribute to a more youthful appearance.
The easiest way to get more vitamin E in your diet is through a supplement, but it can also be found in almonds, sunflower seeds, leafy greens, avocado, trout, and mango.
9. Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in certain teas, including green tea.
Some research indicates that supplementing with L-theanine may help improve brain function in middle-aged adults. Research suggests that L-theanine may improve focus, attention, and cognitive performance, particularly when combined with caffeine.
There’s evidence suggesting that L-theanine may protect brain cells from damage and may even promote the growth of new neurons, which is vital for maintaining cognitive function as we age.
L-theanine promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. By reducing stress and anxiety levels, it may help lower cortisol levels, which are linked to various age-related health issues.
L-theanine has also been shown to have antioxidant effects, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation—two factors that contribute to aging and age-related diseases.
10. Fisetin
If you want to know how to slow aging, you might want to try fisetin.
Fisetin is a flavonoid compound that can kill senescent cells. As we mentioned above, senescent cells are one of the number one causes of aging.
Rodent studies suggest that supplementing with fisetin may reduce the number of senescent cells in tissues, extend life span, and protect the brain against aging.
11. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grapes, berries, peanuts, and red wine that may promote longevity by activating certain enzymes called sirtuins. Sirtuins are a family of proteins that play a crucial role in regulating various biological processes related to aging, metabolism, and stress response.
Resveratrol may improve cardiovascular health by supporting healthy blood vessel function, reducing cholesterol levels, and preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.
It has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and may help in managing weight, both of which are important for reducing the risk of age-related diseases like diabetes.
Some animal studies indicate that resveratrol may extend lifespan, although more research is needed to confirm similar effects in humans. That being said, it may be one of the best supplements for longevity.
12. Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is a sulfur compound found in cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Recent studies have found that sulforaphane increases the lifespan of roundworms. While this isn’t a human study, it shows promising signs for sulforaphane being one of the best supplements for longevity.
Another study in mice found that sulforaphane prevented age-associated heart problems.
13. Creatine
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells that helps produce energy during high-intensity exercise. It enhances physical performance, muscle mass, and recovery.
As we age, muscle mass and strength typically decline, leading to frailty. Supplementing with creatine may help counteract this decline by promoting muscle growth, improving strength, and enhancing overall physical function.
Additionally, creatine has neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting brain health and cognitive function, which is crucial for maintaining quality of life as we age.
14. Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports longevity by promoting bone health, enhancing immune function, and reducing inflammation.
Adequate levels are linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain cancers. Additionally, vitamin D may improve mood and cognitive function, contributing to overall well-being, which is vital for maintaining health and quality of life as we age.
As such, it’s a good idea to add foods high in vitamin D to your longevity diet.
15. B12 and B9 (folate)
Last, but not least are the B vitamins B12 and B9. These both promote brain health.
B vitamins are essential for longevity as they support red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and neurological health. Adequate levels help prevent anemia and cognitive decline, reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
They also play a role in maintaining cardiovascular health by lowering homocysteine levels, which is linked to heart disease. This makes them some of the best supplements for longevity.
Biohack your way to health
By using the best longevity supplements, alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can help to increase your lifespan and exponentially improve your quality of life.
Supplementing with medical-grade collagen, curcumin, green tea, and more can make a major difference in your health as you age.