Resveratrol, Nicotinamide and More Advances in Aging Reversal Research with Dr. David Sinclair

Today our guest is Dr. David Sinclair, who has seen the potential for aging reversal research to revolutionize medicine for the last 25 to 30 years. David explains that, like many children, he was morbidly fascinated with mortality at a young age, but he never really outgrew it.

Now he’s determined to make life as long, happy, healthy and productive as possible for everyone on the planet, and also for humankind to be the best possible species it can while having the least possible impact on the planet.

Aging Reversal Research Faces Challenges

With all of the advances in genetic research, it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that we will be able to genetically change our fate if we want to in the coming decade or so, although there will be a lot of debate about whether or not we should. Currently, at least 10 groups, including both companies and academics, are pushing to show that we can slow down or reverse the aging process in people.

The challenge is not necessarily proving scientifically that it can work, as some molecules in human clinical trials have already shown positive results. However, the research still needs a big win in order to really drive attention. Also, funding this type of research can be quite a challenge, which has led some researchers, including Dr. Sinclair, to turn to crowd funding.

Supplements That Have Shown Promise

Resveratrol: One of the first molecules shown to delay aging, particularly when it comes to metabolism and inflammation. The most exciting development was a study last year finding that resveratrol not only altered progression of molecular changes, but also improved daily function and seemed to prevent cancer.

Pterostilbene: Could be even better than resveratrol in some ways, but not enough research has been done to demonstrate this definitively.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide: This shows a lot of promise when it comes to aging reversal. It works because it is one of few molecules that the body can turn into NAD, which is a cofactor for metabolic reactions that declines as the body ages. The hope is that this will initiate a reversal of the aging process, and studies in mice have shown as much. However, nicotinamide mononucleotide has not been used in human trials yet because researchers are currently gathering more data on safety. N

icotinamide Riboside: This is currently available as a supplement, including Basis by Elysium. It also has been shown to raise NAD levels in mice, although more human studies need to be done.

TA-65: This supplement has been shown to boost telomeres, but Dr. Sinclair explains that it is not a silver bullet that will reverse all aspects of aging.

As far as his own approach to overall health and longevity goes, Dr. Sinclair simply takes resveratrol, as well as a statin and aspirin, and watches what he eats. He explains that he’s still working on making the next multi-active molecule that is safe enough for humans, and then he’ll take that.

Resources

Basis by Elysium