AntiAging Supplement
Of the various approaches to slow down the aging process, calorie
restriction is considered the gold standard. As the Life Extension
Foundation surpasses its thirtieth year, the scientific community, the
government, and even the news media are slowly recognizing that our
concept of extending life is in fact technically feasible. This change
in perception represents an enormous transformation in how humans view
their role in the universe. Although none of the therapies in this
section have been proven to slow aging, there is suggestive scientific
evidence that they significantly suppress damaging free radical and
inflammatory reactions that are linked to underlying aging processes.
DHEA
(dehydroepiandrosterone) is an adrenal hormone that is the precursor
for steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. DHEA declines
precipitously with advancing age in both men and women. In 1981, the
Life Extension Foundation introduced DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) to
its members through an article that described the multiple benefits that
this hormone might produce. However, the general public did not learn
about DHEA supplements until 1996, when the benefits of DHEA were touted
by the news media and in several popular books. DHEA became credible to
the medical establishment when the New York Academy of Sciences
published a book entitled DHEA and Aging. This book provided scientific
validation for the many life extending effects of DHEA.
The hormonal stimulus for sex drive in both men and women is testosterone, which declines with advancing age in both sexes. Testosterone
also plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass and strength
and bone density. The hormone is often administered to aging men and
women as a topical cream, but oral testosterone supplements and
injectable forms are also available.
The "female" steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone
play important roles in maintaining bone density and strength, sexual
function, mental function and, in women, in countering the effects of
the menopause. Recent studies indicate that estrogen may be an effective
treatment for age-associated memory problems.* Both estrogen and
progesterone are available in a variety of forms -- natural or
synthetic, oral or topical. There is considerable interest in the use of
plant-derived phytoestrogens, which have weak (but safe) estrogenic
activity as a possible replacement for drug forms of estrogen. One
product, Natural Estrogen, has been specially designed for this purpose.
Melatonin
is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is located beneath the
brain. Melatonin is a highly potent antioxidant, which has been
described as the pacemaker of the aging clock in humans. It is released
every night as part of our time-dependent biorhythms to help induce
sleep and recuperation from fatigue. Published studies indicate the
importance of maintaining youthful levels of melatonin to help protect
against age-related degenerative diseases.
Pregnenolone
is known as the "mother hormone" because it is the precursor of a
number of hormones including DHEA, testosterone and estrogen. Studies
have demonstrated that the neurosteroid Pregnenolone has a stimulatory
effect on memory.
Cardiovascular disease, the number-one killer of men and women,
claims the lives of almost 40% of the more than 2.4 million Americans
who die each year. Today, about 64 million Americans have some form of
cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine a nonessential, sulfur-containing
amino acid, is an independent marker of risk for the development of
cardiovascular disease. Back in 1981, we first recommended that members
reduce homocysteine levels by taking folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
Some researchers consider homocysteine as important a cardiovascular
risk factor as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Homocysteine can make
blood clot more easily than normal, increasing the risk of both heart
attack and death by heart attack. Inadequate levels of folic acid and
vitamins B6 and B12 can lead to increased homocysteine levels.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
is an essential component of healthy mitochondrial function. It is
incorporated into cells' mitochondria throughout the body where it
facilitates and regulates the oxidation of fats and sugars into energy.
Aging humans have been found to have over 50% less CoQ10 on average
compared to that of young adults. This finding makes CoQ10 one of the
most important nutrients for people over 30 to supplement with. About
95% of cellular energy is produced in the mitochondria. The mitochondria
are the cells "energy powerhouses" and many maladies have been referred
to as "mitochondrial disorders." A growing body of scientific research
links a deficiency of CoQ10 to age-related mitochondrial disorders.
The amino acid acetyl-L-carnitine
boosts mitochondrial energy production through its ability to
facilitate fatty acid transport and oxidation in the cell. Since 1995,
Life Extension members have been supplementing with acetyl-L-carnitine
and deriving the many benefits this form of carnitine has shown in
published studies. With the discovery of acetyl-L-carnitine arginate the
benefits of acetyl-L-carnitine can now be greatly augmented.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate is a patented form of carnitine that
stimulates the growth of neurites in the brain. Studies show that
acetyl-l-carnitine-arginate stimulates the growth of new neurites by an
astounding 19.5% (as much as Nerve Growth Factor itself).
Acetyl-l-carnitine-arginate acts together with acetyl-l-carnitine to
increase neurite outgrowth.
The most common cause of disability and death in the United
States is an abnormal clot that develops inside an artery to cause a
heart attack (blocked blood vessel in the heart), or a stroke (blocked
blood vessel in the brain). Aspirin
has an immediate and lasting effect on blood platelets, making them
less likely to clump together and making blood flow smoothly.
Carnosine
is a multifunctional dipeptide made up of a chemical combination of the
amino acids beta-alanine and L-histidine. It is found both in food and
in the human body. Long-lived cells such as nerve cells (neurons) and
muscle cells (myocytes) contain high levels of carnosine. Muscle levels
of carnosine correlate with the maximum life spans of animals. Carnosine
levels decline with age. Muscle levels decline 63% from age 10 to age
70, which may account for the normal age-related decline in muscle mass
and function. Since carnosine acts as a pH buffer, it can keep on
protecting muscle cell membranes from oxidation under the acidic
conditions of muscular exertion. Carnosine enables the heart muscle to
contract more efficiently through enhancement of calcium response in
heart myocytes. Aging causes irreversible damage to the body's proteins.
The underlying mechanism behind this damage is glycation. A simple
definition of glycation is the cross-linking of proteins and sugars to
form non-functioning structures in the body. The process of glycation
can be superficially seen as unsightly wrinkled skin. Glycation is also
an underlying cause of age-related catastrophes including the
neurologic, vascular, and eye disorders. Carnosine is a unique dipeptide
that interferes with the glycation process.
Studies on omega-3 fatty acids are so impressive that an agency
of the National Institutes of Health published a report stating that fish oil
can help reduce deaths from heart disease. The FDA itself states
supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and
DHA omega-3 fatty acids may actually reduce the risk of coronary heart
disease. There are several mechanisms attributed to fish oil's
beneficial effects. The latest government report cites the
triglyceride-lowering effects of fish oil on reducing heart and blood
vessel disorders. Another beneficial mechanism of fish oil is to protect
healthy blood flow in arteries.
What makes green tea
extract such an important nutrient are the large volumes of published
scientific findings that validate its multiple biological benefits. The
most significant findings involve studies showing that green tea extract
helps maintain cellular DNA and membrane structural integrity. Decades
of research shows that green tea inhibits the development of undesirable
cell colonies. The active constituents in green tea are powerful
antioxidants called polyphenols (catechins) and flavonols. Several
catechins are present in green tea and account for the bulk of favorable
research reports. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful
of these catechins. EGCG functions as an antioxidant that is about
25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may
provide 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects that are
greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries.
Theoretically, the high antioxidant activity of green tea makes it
beneficial for protecting the body from oxidative damage due to free
radicals.
Lipoic Acid
is a highly potent antioxidant that counteracts reactive free radicals
in the mitochondria, the power plants of cells where energy for all
cellular activities is generated. Some scientists believe that
mitochondrial free radicals play an important role in human aging, and
have theorized that extra amounts of free-radical inhibiting compounds
such as lipoic acid may be able to help slow aging. Lipoic acid is also
effective in recycling other antioxidants such as Vitamin E back into
their original form after they detoxify free radicals. There also is
evidence that lipoic acid can reduce glycation damage due to excess
glucose in the blood, which may be involved in aging. Lipoic acid
consists of two different forms (isomers) that have vastly different
properties. The "R" form is the biologically active component (native to
the body) that is responsible for lipoic acid's phenomenal antioxidant
effect.
L-alpha glycerylphosphoryl-choline (GPC)
is a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine and helps to boost
acetylcholine. It aids in the synthesis of several brain phospholipids,
which increases the availability of acetylcholine in various brain
tissues. The GPC form of choline has been shown in studies to help
protect against cognitive decline normally seen in aging.
Until recently, the only options for aging individuals to promote
replenishment of the declining numbers of mitochondria (the cell’s
“energy powerhouses”) in their bodies were long-term calorie restriction
or exhaustive physical activity—difficult or impractical for most aging
people. Now there is a viable alternative. PQQ
activates genes that promote the formation of new mitochondria. It also
beneficially interacts with genes directly involved in mitochondrial
health. These same genes support healthy body weight, normal fat and
sugar metabolism, and youthful cellular proliferation.
Findings from published scientific literature indicate that resveratrol
may be the most effective compound for maintaining optimal health and
promoting longevity. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, a polyphenolic
compound which is produced by Vitis vinifera as a response to attack by
molds. Research funded by the Life Extension Foundation showed that a
combination of low-dose (20 mg) resveratrol plus grapeseed extract
mimicked many of the favorable gene expression changes seen in
calorie-restricted animals. Other studies, however, indicate that higher
doses may be needed to obtain all of resveratrol’s positive benefits
including promoting healthy insulin sensitivity, enhanced mitochondrial
function, reduced expression of inflammatory factors, and protection
against the effects of a high-fat diet.
Many people think of whey protein
as a supplement only used by athletes wanting to increase their muscle
mass. But evolving research suggests the branched-chain amino acids
(BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine and other fractions found in
whey can mimic the longevity benefits of calorie restriction. Whey
protein can also have a positive impact on muscle construction and
immunity due to its BCAA profile and naturally occurring lactoferrin and
immunoglobins.
Since the 1930s it has been known that a diet restricted in
calories, but otherwise rich in nutrients, dramatically extends the life
span of experimental animals. Over two thousand studies have confirmed
the effectiveness of calorie restriction (or "undernutrition without
malnutrition, " as Roy Walford calls it) in a wide variety of species.
While the effectiveness of this antiaging regimen is likely far greater
than others currently available, the difficulty of the regimen for most
people is also far greater. Serious life-extensionists should
nevertheless consider trying at least a mild version of the diet.
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