How to live longer: Three supplements linked to a longer lifespan - what to take

LONGEVITY hinges on healthy lifestyle decisions, many of which are supported through robust research. A body of evidence has alighted upon three supplements that may boost your longevity. By Adam Chapman PUBLISHED: 08:11, Fri, Feb 26, 2021 | UPDATED: 08:12, Fri, Feb 26, 2021 0 Link copied Loose Women: Dr Hilary discusses how to live longer Sign up for FREE health tips to live a long and happy life SUBSCRIBE Invalid email When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Life expectancy is largely governed by how effectively we can wield the tools at our disposal. What we choose to put in our body illustrates this point - poor dietary decisions can invite a host of health problems, whereas eating well can provide a barrier against them. Supplements are often met with a healthy dose of scepticism, but evidence suggests that some can extend your lifespan. "Scientists believe that there are some supplements that can naturally activate our longevity genes," Lewis Dartnell of cosmetic beauty clinic GBS Clinic explained to Express.co.uk. Dartnell and his team searched the literature on supplements and three stuck out. Metformin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes, and to help prevent type 2 diabetes if you're at high risk of developing it. As Dartnell explains, its health benefits are not confined to type 2 diabetes. READ MORE: How to live longer: Four simple dietary decisions that are proven to boost longevity One study of over 41,000 metformin users found the drug decreased frailty by 24 percent, decreased cancer risk by six percent, reduced cardiovascular disease risk by 19 percent, and increased overall lifespan by six percent. In their concluding remarks, the study researchers wrote: “The apparent reductions in all-cause mortality and diseases of ageing associated with metformin use suggest that metformin could be extending life and health spans by acting as a neuroprotective agent.” According to Dartnell, another supplement that may extend one’s lifespan is NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). As he explained Inside the body, NMN is transformed into NAD+ - a critical coenzyme found in every cell in your body. DON'T MISS How to live longer: Eat a 'modified' Mediterranean diet [TIPS] Statins side effecs: Three side effects in your eyes [ADVICE] Simon Gregson health: Coronation Street star's anxiety [INSIGHT] The body naturally produces NAD+ but levels decline as we get older. A key study of NAD-boosting molecules (NMN) found that boosting NAD+ levels in older age can “promote health and extend lifespan”. "NMN is thought to boost our longevity genes in a way that mimics the effects of exercise," Dartnell reports. In their concluding remarks, the study authors wrote: “Restoration of NAD+ levels in old or diseased animals can promote health and extend lifespan, prompting a search for safe and efficacious NAD-boosting molecules. "Such molecules hold the promise of increasing the body’s resilience, not just to one disease, but to many, thereby extending healthy human lifespan.” Resveratrol is a micronutrient available in supplement form. According to Dartnell, studies have shown resveratrol activates longevity genes and can slow the rate of ageing. And it works by tricking the body into thinking it is fasting," suggests one study. "The good news is, resveratrol is also available in red wine, just in case you don’t fancy taking the supplements." According to research, determining the mechanism(s) by which resveratrol and similar molecules act, and developing methods to improve bioavailability and/or specificity, has enormous potential to benefit human health. It is thought that resveratrol mimics fasting, said Dartnell. As he explained, fasting is essential for switching “on” our longevity genes.