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Which Supplements Should I Take For Longevity?

Here we delve into the compelling proposition that everyday drugs and supplements could be the key to extending our longevity, as posited by experts like Dr. Vijay Yadav from Columbia University. Despite the promise, the journey towards this breakthrough is laden with obstacles, including rigorous testing protocols and financial constraints slowing down research. We also examine Amazon's recent policy changes requiring FDA approval for suppliers of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), reflecting a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of anti-aging products. Our exploration continues with a critical look at the effectiveness of these supplements. Despite the proliferation of promising products and the enthusiasm of biohacker communities, the lack of extensive human trials and scientific substantiation leaves many questions unanswered. Our exploration continues with a critical look at the effectiveness of these supplements. Despite the proliferation of promising products and the enthusiasm of biohacker communities, the lack of extensive human trials and scientific substantiation leaves many questions unanswered.
Silhouettes symbolizing longevity-related societal taboos
Challenging Longevity Taboos: Facing the Unspoken in Ageing.

Good Morning,

Welcome to our in-depth look at the burgeoning field of longevity supplements, a realm where science fiction seems to be edging closer to reality. 

Here we delve into the compelling proposition that everyday drugs and supplements could be the key to extending our longevity, as posited by experts like Dr. Vijay Yadav from Columbia University. Despite the promise, the journey towards this breakthrough is laden with obstacles, including rigorous testing protocols and financial constraints slowing down research. We also examine Amazon’s recent policy changes requiring FDA approval for suppliers of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), reflecting a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of anti-aging products.

Our exploration continues with a critical look at the effectiveness of these supplements. Despite the proliferation of promising products and the enthusiasm of biohacker communities, the lack of extensive human trials and scientific substantiation leaves many questions unanswered.

Let’s learn more …


Is the Secret to a Longer Life Already Available at Your Local Pharmacy? (GQ)

In the realm of longevity medicine, a transformative idea is gaining traction: common drugs and supplements might hold the key to extending life. Dr. Vijay Yadav from Columbia University predicts that within a few years, a diverse range of such drugs could offer an additional healthy decade to one’s life. However, experts like Dr. Yadav acknowledge that fully understanding and applying these treatments might not happen within our lifetimes due to extensive testing requirements.

Key contenders in this field include rapamycin, metformin, and senolytics, known for their potential anti-aging properties. Progress in researching these generic drugs has been slow, hindered by the lack of financial incentives and the challenge of defining aging biomarkers for FDA trials.

Biohacker communities are at the forefront of experimenting with these drugs off-label, influencing both public interest and medical perspectives. While recent studies have raised doubts about metformin’s effectiveness, rapamycin continues to show promise, suggesting a potential shift in focus within the anti-aging research community.

Amazon Restrict Sale of NMN (HealthNews)

Amazon’s new policy mandates FDA approval for nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) suppliers, following an FDA decision that reclassified NMN as a drug ingredient in October 2022. This decision was influenced by Metro International Biotech’s investigation of a proprietary NMN as a new drug. NMN, known for its potential anti-aging properties by boosting NAD+ levels, is now under stricter regulation. 

Amazon requires suppliers to provide detailed product information, including a National Drug Code, and undergo a reinstatement process. This policy mirrors Amazon’s 2021 regulation of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), which sparked legal challenges. Suppliers like ProHealth intend to continue NMN sales pending direct FDA instruction, highlighting the uncertain future of NMN as a dietary supplement on Amazon.

Can a pill really make you younger? (The Telegraph)

Charlotte Lytton delves into the promising yet contentious realm of anti-aging supplements, spotlighting products like UDA, a drink blending seven longevity-promoting supplements. These aim to combat cellular aging by addressing issues like telomere shortening and mitochondrial decline. While giants in the supplement industry are introducing ingredients like NMN and AKG, the efficacy of such products remains debated. 

The lack of large-scale human trials leaves experts like Prof. Richard Barker and David A. Sinclair cautious, emphasizing the need for scientific substantiation. Intriguingly, while some individuals adopt extensive anti-aging protocols, the consensus still favors a traditional approach of a healthy diet and exercise for prolonging healthspan. The article underscores the potential yet unconfirmed benefits of these supplements, highlighting the necessity of further research in this evolving field.


As we wrap up this special edition of our newsletter, diving deep into the realm of longevity supplements, several key insights stand out. The field teeters on the cusp of revolutionary breakthroughs, with everyday drugs and supplements potentially unlocking the secrets to a longer life. Experts like Dr. Vijay Yadav offer a tantalizing glimpse into a future where aging could be significantly delayed, yet they caution us about the complexities and the rigorous scientific validation required.

Amazon’s recent policy shifts, mandating FDA approval for products like NMN, mark a significant moment in the regulatory landscape, reflecting the growing scrutiny and hope vested in these potential life-extenders. Despite the buzz and the pioneering efforts of the biohacker community, the absence of extensive human trials and conclusive evidence casts a shadow of uncertainty over the efficacy of these supplements.

As we stand at this crossroads, balancing excitement with skepticism, the longevity sector continues to evolve, driven by both scientific curiosity and public interest. Let’s remain inquisitive and engaged, yet critically discerning, as we navigate this promising yet uncharted territory of extending human healthspan.

Until our next deep dive,

The Longr Reads Team.


“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

Hippocrates


Longr Reads’ of the Week

  • The start-ups seeking a cure for old age (Financial Times)
  • Interview: The US tech millionaire trying to reverse his age (BBC News)
  • Inconvenient Truths About Human Longevity (Oxford Academic)
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