David Sinclair is an Associate Professor of Genetics who studies anti-ageing supplements and longevity science. To optimize biomarkers he adheres to a rigorous diet, exercise plan and uses personalized tracking tools. NMN, Resveratrol Hyaluronic Acid & Spermidine are among his medications.
As his claims about reversing aging angered some scientists, he stepped down as president of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm led him to make overinflated statements regarding supplements and techniques used by him.
1. NMN
Nicotinamide mononucleotide, or NMN, is a precursor of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), an important coenzyme which enhances metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity, supporting energy production and endurance production, protecting against diabetes, heart disease, dementia, as well as slowing age-related obesity and muscle loss while increasing mitochondrial function and biochemical markers of muscle health. Research studies have also demonstrated its prophylactic benefits against dementia. NMN also extends longevity in mice by prolonging lifespan while slowing age related obesity/muscle loss as well as increasing mitochondrial function along with key biochemical markers of muscle health biochemical markers of muscle health – studies that show extended lifespan due to increased energy production/ endurance production/enduration production/ endurance/protective properties of NAD+.
NMN has also been shown to rejuvenate aging neurons, skin cells and fibroblasts that contribute to connective tissue. Furthermore, its application has reversed time in mouse cells while restoring normal biological functions.
Animal studies have produced promising results; however, proper clinical investigations must be conducted in humans in order to fully evaluate its anti-aging benefits. Unfortunately, numerous NMN-based products have been sold as anti-ageing supplements without conducting proper studies first.
2. L-Carnitine
Carnitine is an abundantly produced nutrient found in many animal products; humans produce it too! Carnitine helps transport long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria where they can be converted to energy for energy production.
One study concluded that supplementation of carnitine among older adults resulted in a significant lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease [28]. Alzheimer’s is characterized by an accumulation of plaques and degeneration of neurons using acetylcholine neurotransmitter as markers.
L-carnitine has been demonstrated to promote brain lipid metabolism, reduce inflammation and normalize the dysfunctional blood vessel formation that often follows an MI event. Furthermore, its benefits extend to increasing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. [29, 30]
3. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an esteemed herbal remedy known to enhance cognitive and brain health. A natural antioxidant, it improves blood circulation for better oxygenation of the brain and may delay age-related decline.
Studies have demonstrated its ability to improve cognitive function in healthy individuals and alleviate symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, meditation provides a relaxing effect and balances neurotransmitters thus decreasing stress levels and tension.
Ginkgo biloba can also help treat migraine headaches with or without aura by increasing blood flow and protecting retinal tissue from free radical damage. Furthermore, macular degeneration may also benefit from its use by helping protect retinal tissue against free radical damage caused by free radicals in our environment. Ginkgo biloba supplements and teas can also be found widely available today.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been demonstrated to extend life expectancy and protect against age-related diseases, while also playing an integral part in maintaining immune function. A minimum daily dosage is recommended: 1,000mg is advised.
Harvard geneticist James Sinclair, known for his longevity research, recently made a claim that caused outrage from other researchers and caused him to step down as president of a prominent alliance of aging researchers. Sinclair stated in a press release from Animal Bioscience–which he co-founded–that their supplements had been shown to reverse aging in dogs. Other scientists strongly disagreed with this assertion and the professor ultimately decided not to serve on its board of directors any longer.
Sinclair relies on his own research as well as that of colleagues to substantiate this claim, while the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research board criticized it and asked Sinclair not to promote the effectiveness of supplements too much in future. Sinclair pledged not to over-hype their effectiveness again.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an invaluable antioxidant, acting to both prevent the formation of free radicals as well as trap and neutralize existing ones, thus helping prevent or delay conditions/diseases linked to oxidation such as cancer and heart disease.
Harvard geneticist David Sinclair’s claim that scientists had developed a pill “proven to reverse aging” in dogs caused shock among researchers, prompting him to step down as president of an association of longevity scientists.
Sinclair says he regrets suggesting his supplements cause this effect and has pledged to be more accurate with his claims in the future. It remains to be seen if he can win back the trust of researchers; he holds multiple financial interests including co-founding a company selling dog supplements.
6. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally-occurring compound produced by our bodies that can also be found in food sources like meat and fish. As an antioxidant it protects cells against cell damage while playing an integral role in energy production by mitochondria and helping neutralize free radicals produced during metabolism.
Studies with healthy people demonstrate that taking coenzyme Q10 does not enhance athletic performance; however, other research indicates it could work when combined with other supplements.
Primary CoQ10 deficiency can lead to neurological abnormalities including seizures, intellectual disability and severe forms of muscle weakness (dystonia) with involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). Furthermore, vision loss caused by break down of light-sensitive retinal tissue can occur (nephrotic syndrome). Furthermore, this deficiency also leads to congestive heart failure which results in fluid accumulation within the body.
Coenzyme Q10 may help alleviate symptoms of cardiovascular disease in some individuals. Furthermore, it could potentially help decrease thickening of heart walls in those suffering from heart failure and high blood pressure.
7. L-Glutamine
Glutamic acid, an essential amino acid in protein synthesis, can be found both naturally in foods and as dietary supplements. Supplementing with glutamine may help increase muscle mass, increase metabolism, and speed recovery from intense workouts.
David Sinclair of Harvard University Genetics and Longevity research made waves with his claims of having reversed aging in mice through laboratory-testing system that retrains cells to restart backup copies of epigenetic instructions, effectively turning back time.
Sinclair’s comments in a press release for Animal Bioscience, the dog supplement company he co-founded with Dr. Tom Anderson and others he founded, provoked strong rebuke from fellow longevity researchers and led to widespread criticism that forced him to resign as president of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research. According to board members at this organization, Sinclair overstated results while violating conflict of interest policies.
8. L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an amino acid commonly found in food sources as well as supplements. It plays an essential role in protein synthesis as well as helping prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes; additionally, L-Arginine has been shown to boost fertility rates among both genders.
Enhancing mitochondrial function and energy metabolism while decreasing oxidative stress to support overall cellular health is the goal of this treatment, which stimulates the production of nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator which increases blood flow. Furthermore, its antiplatelet effects inhibit excessive platelet aggregation thus decreasing risk of thrombosis [4].
Arginine works to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B activation and thus decreasing cytokine production and inflammation levels in the body. Furthermore, it promotes production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 that help limit inflammation – one key aspect of its renoprotective benefits.
9. L-Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid produced naturally in the body as well as found in protein foods like meats, dairy products, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds. Tyrosine helps produce stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine that contribute to mental stimulation; in healthy individuals it may even prevent mental decline.
Nootropics, or supplements designed to increase memory, thinking and alertness, have become popular as stress relievers and have even been linked with lower blood pressure levels. CBD oil has long been recognized for its positive cognitive effects on humans.
10. L-Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine, an amino acid naturally present in meat and eggs, can also be consumed as a dietary supplement to treat skin conditions like Vitiligo as well as ADHD, depression and chronic pain among other conditions. Phenylalanine has also been proposed as an effective solution to chronic pain as it inhibits Enkephalinase from breaking down natural substances called Enkephalins which reduce inflammation.
Phenylalanine may help increase dopamine production, leading to an increase in norepinephrine and epinephrine neurotransmitters, known as catecholamines that have been proven to enhance mood, motivation, and memory.
Phenylalanine may be considered safe when taken in small doses for short-term medical purposes, though pregnancy should not include its use due to higher levels potentially leading to birth defects for children who carry genetic conditions known as phenylketonuria.
