In this milestone discussion, physicist and computational biologist Andrew Steele, author of 'Ageless,' explores the science behind longevity supplements. He delves into popular compounds like NMN and spermidine, questioning their true effectiveness in extending life. Listener Solly Milton highlights the buzz around biohackers aiming to reverse aging, prompting a critical look at these claims. The conversation critiques the antioxidant myth and suggests a balanced approach to health, emphasizing evidence-based practices over costly supplements.
Understanding aging as the primary cause of death emphasizes the importance of research into longevity supplements and age-related health advancements.
While various longevity supplements claim to improve health, their effectiveness often lacks scientific support, highlighting the need for more rigorous evidence.
Deep dives
Understanding Aging as the Leading Cause of Death
Aging is identified as the primary cause of death and suffering, rather than common diseases like cancer or heart disease. As individuals age, the risk of developing these diseases increases significantly due to biological changes. The odds of death among younger individuals are significantly lower compared to older adults, whose risk roughly doubles every eight years. By comprehensively understanding the aging process, researchers hope to mitigate the associated health issues and prolong both life and health spans.
Evaluating Longevity Supplements
The podcast investigates various longevity supplements such as NMN, resveratrol, and spermidine, which claim to improve energy and health. Many of these supplements, however, lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in humans. For instance, while NMN is thought to enhance NAD levels, its actual benefits and absorption in the body remain ambiguous. Additionally, studies reveal discrepancies in the commercial availability of these supplements, with many not containing the amounts advertised.
The Role of Biological Age vs. Chronological Age
Biological age can differ significantly from chronological age, as it takes into account an individual's health and vitality rather than just the number of years lived. Research suggests that perceived age, such as how youthful someone looks, can be a better indicator of their overall health and longevity outcomes than chronological age alone. This concept emphasizes that lifestyle factors can greatly influence one’s biological age, lending support to the idea that healthy habits can lead to a longer health span. Understanding these differences may provide insights into personalized approaches to aging.
The Future of Longevity Research
Despite numerous supplements on the market, the most promising advancements in longevity science may come from research on drugs like rapamycin and metformin. Rapamycin, a drug originally developed for its antifungal properties, has shown potential in extending lifespans and improving health in animal studies. Metformin, primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, displays evidence suggesting diabetics may live longer than non-diabetics. These findings indicate that ongoing research into such treatments could lead to significant breakthroughs in age-related health improvements.
Can taking special supplements help us to live longer?
It's the 100th episode of Sliced Bread and to mark the occasion we're investigating the pills and supplements that claim to help us live longer - and more healthy - lives.
Listener Soly has heard about so-called 'biohackers' such as Bryan Johnson in the US, who are trying to turn back the clock on their biological age and reverse the process that makes their bodies vulnerable to illness and disease. Each day they're taking a special blend of compounds and chemicals which they claim slow down or even reverse the hallmarks of ageing.
Increasingly these supplements and diet plans are available to buy - but are they worth the money? Can they really extend our lives beyond the current normal human lifespan? What does the evidence say so far about their effectiveness?
Greg is joined in the studio by Dr Andrew Steele, author of 'Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old' to try to unlock the secrets of staying young and run the studies through the evidence mill.
We could not have made it to 100 episodes of Sliced Bread without YOUR suggestions for wonder products to investigate. Please do keep them coming! If you have seen something claiming to make you happier, healthier or greener, and want to know if it is SB or BS, then please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voice note on WhatsApp to 07543 306807.
PRESENTER: GREG FOOT
PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND PHIL SANSOM
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode