The supplement industry is booming with promises of a longer, healthier life—but what does the science really say? Let’s cut through the hype and focus on supplements with actual evidence for supporting longevity and healthy aging.
Supplements with the Strongest Evidence
- Vitamin D: Essential for bone, immune, and metabolic health. Deficiency is common, especially in northern climates. Supplementation is linked to lower mortality and reduced risk of age-related diseases in those with low levels.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA): Shown to reduce cardiovascular risk, support brain health, and lower inflammation. Best sourced from fatty fish or high-quality supplements.
- Magnesium: Important for muscle, nerve, and heart health. Supports sleep quality and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
- Probiotics: Support gut microbiome diversity and may reduce inflammation, though benefits are strain-specific and best paired with a fiber-rich diet.
- Creatine: Well-studied for muscle health and cognitive support in older adults.
Supplements with Emerging or Mixed Evidence
- Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) & NMN: Boost NAD+ levels, which decline with age. Animal studies are promising, but human data is still limited.
- Resveratrol & Polyphenols: Antioxidants found in red wine and certain plants. Some evidence for cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, but effects in humans are modest.
- Berberine: May help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, but long-term safety data is limited.
- Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric, with anti-inflammatory properties. Bioavailability can be an issue.
Supplements to Approach with Caution
- High-dose antioxidants (vitamin E, beta-carotene) have not shown consistent longevity benefits and may be harmful in excess.
- Unregulated or “anti-aging” blends often lack evidence and can interact with medications.
Science Spotlight
- Vitamin D & Mortality: Meta-analyses show reduced all-cause mortality in deficient individuals who supplement (ScienceDaily, 2021).
- Omega-3s & Longevity: Higher blood omega-3 levels are associated with longer life expectancy and lower cardiovascular risk (NCBI, 2018).
- NR/NMN & Aging: Human studies show increased NAD+ levels, but clinical benefits for longevity are not yet established (Lifespan.io, 2023).
References & Sources