drugs and supplements for extending lifespan and healthspan

Discover what’s being studied for lifespan benefits. How they work, what studies and trials are underway, and who’s taking them.

drugs & supplements

supplementing: know the basics

Several vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements are being studied for longevity purposes. Certain drugs approved for specific purposes are now being used off-label. Learn more about each one, how it works, what it targets, and more. Filter by different criteria and find exactly what you’re looking for. Gain more in-depth knowledge in our Science section. 

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supplements

Drugs and Supplements

25 substances reviewed

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ACARBOSE

Drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes that works by inhibiting glucose absorption in the GI tract. As a result, this brings about reduced glycation, lowered glucose levels, and caloric restriction.

Insulin sensitivity - Glucose
Gut microbiota modulation
Calorie restriction

TAURINE

An amino sulfonic acid, which is a required building block of protein. Found naturally in the body as well as in meat, fish, and dairy products. Supports cardiovascular, metabolic, muscle and eye health. Taurine is a metabolic aid and contains antioxidant properties.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Mitochondrial function

BERBERINE

Bioactive compound that can be extracted from several different plants. It seems to lower glucose production in the liver, activate AMPK and SIRT, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

mTOR inhibitor
AMPK activator
Antiinflammatory
Calorie restriction
Gut microbiota modulation

PTEROSTILBENE

Natural dietary compound and polyphenol analog to resveratrol, with three methyl groups added that provide better bioavailability.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Autophagy promotion
Mitochondrial function
Sirtuin activator

GLUCOSAMINE

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage typically used to support joint health. Other anti-inflammatory and cellular protective properties are being investigated, including N-Acetylglucosamine as a potential treatment for management of multiple sclerosis.

Antiinflammatory
Autophagy promotion
Calorie restriction

VITAMIN D3

Vital for bone health, immune response, cardio and brain health. Regulates inflammatory response and more

Antiinflammatory
Insulin sensitivity - Glucose
Telomere length

RAPAMYCIN

mTOR inhibitor and immunosuppressive drug that has been shown to extend lifespan and improve healthspan in several animal models.

mTOR inhibitor
Autophagy promotion
Calorie restriction

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the human body. It's involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, bone density, blood glucose control, and regulating blood pressure, among others.

Insulin sensitivity - Glucose
Mitochondrial function

VITAMIN K2

Vitamin K2 is primarily known for its role in supporting bone and cardiovascular health. It works by activating proteins that aid in calcium metabolism. Potential cancer prevention effects and use in treating metabolic disease are also being studied.

Mitochondrial function

METFORMIN

Metformin is a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It has demonstrated potential anti-aging effects in some animal and human studies, including improved glucose tolerance, reduced inflammation, and increased lifespan. It helps restore the body's response to insulin by decreasing the amount of blood sugar that the liver produces and that the intestines or stomach absorb.

AMPK activator
Insulin sensitivity - Glucose
Calorie restriction
Gut microbiota modulation

Coenzime Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body that plays a crucial role in the production of energy within cells. CoQ10 is an essential part of the electron transport chain, a series of chemical reactions that takes place within the mitochondria.

Antioxidant
Insulin sensitivity - Glucose
Mitochondrial function

ALA Alpha Lipoic Acid

Naturally occurring compound vital to cellular energy production, ALA also has antioxidant properties.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Insulin sensitivity - Glucose
Mitochondrial function

SPERMIDINE

Spermidine is a naturally-occurring polyamine compound found in various foods. Autophagy induction, anti-inflammatory support, mitochondrial function, and anti-aging gene regulation are among the benefits undergoing research.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Autophagy promotion

OMEGA3

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and ALA) are a type of polyunsaturated fat essential for human health. These fats are not synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet. Benefits include heart, eye, and brain health and anti-inflammatory effects.

Antiinflammatory
Telomere length
Insulin sensitivity - Glucose

NR Nicotinamide Riboside

A form of vitamin B3 that boosts NAD+ production. Once in the body, NR turns into NMN; in time it develops into NAD+ which plays a critical role in cellular metabolism and energy production. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Sirtuin activator
Mitochondrial function

NMN Nicotinamide Mononucleotide

A form of vitamin B3 that boosts NAD+ production. NMN is converted directly into NAD+ which plays a critical role in cellular metabolism and energy production. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age. NMN is in theory more straightforward than NR, but fewer studies and trials have been completed.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Sirtuin activator
Mitochondrial function

AKG Alpha Ketoglutarate

This molecule plays a key role in the Krebs cycle, a crucial part of cellular energy metabolism. It's naturally occurring in the body and can also be taken as a dietary supplement. AKG supports cell energy production and has demonstrated lifespan extension effects on certain organisms.

mTOR inhibitor
Mitochondrial function

STATINS

A type of medicine that reduces cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, it’s being studied for potential additional longevity effects.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant

QUERCETIN

Quercetin is a flavonoid, which is a type of plant pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s found in various fruits, vegetables, seeds, and grains.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant

RESVERATROL

A naturally occurring polyphenol (phitoalexin), it acts like a sirtuin promoter and mimics calorie restriction. However, bioavailability in humans is limited (pterostilbene seems to be better) and positive impact on lifespan results are difficult to replicate.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Autophagy promotion
Sirtuin activator
Mitochondrial function

FISETIN

Fisetin is a natural flavonoid compound found in various fruits and vegetables. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, senolytic, and sirtuin promoting properties are being investigated.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Senoytic

UROLITHIN

Produced by bacteria in the gut microbiome, urolithin A is a postbiotic that is synthesized after eating certain foods high in polyphenols. Postbiotics are by-products from the gut that can act as health-promoting compounds. Given its role in mitophagy, it has been studied for potential anti-aging effects (improved muscle function and enhanced mitochondrial health).

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Gut microbiota modulation
Mitochondrial function

D+Q Dasatinib and Quercetin

Dasatinib is a medication primarily used as a targeted therapy for certain types of cancer. It has been studied for potential senolytic effects when used in conjunction with quercetin.

Antiinflammatory
Senoytic

TMG Trimethylglycine

Also known as betaine, TMG is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and is also found in foods. It’s involved in a process called methylation, which is crucial for many bodily functions including DNA repair, detoxification, and cellular energy production. TMG is often taken together with NMN to provide more methyl groups.

No items found.

GLUTATHIONE

A tripeptide substance composed largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Known as the ‘master antioxidant’, glutathione supports immune function and tissue repair. Present in almost every cell in the body, levels lower with age. Production can be boosted by eating certain sulfur-rich foods or whey protein.

Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Mitochondrial function
Telomere length
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Healthier Friends review

what experts in the field
are taking

We looked at what many experts use and put together a comprehensive guide to their preferred supplements and drugs. Approach it as another well-researched resource from a field with ever-evolving discoveries.

Altered Intercellular Communication
Stem Cell Exhaustion
Cellular Senescence
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Deregulated Nutrient Sensing
Loss of Proteostasis
Epigenetic Alterations
Telomere Attrition
Genomic Instability