Notice your grey hairs increasing? Feeling a less resilient and energetic than a few years ago?
You’re likely biologically aging faster than you should.
The latest modern science has some tools you should know about.
In this post, I’ll cover some of the best, most promising longevity supplements, ingredients, and molecules of the future. Use this on top of the foundations of optimal health to reclaim your vital.
Customize & Personalize Your Longevity Strategy
Humanity has nothing remotely close to a universal anti-aging substance. The results of even the most rigorous randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study do not apply to many people.
And that’s considered the gold-standard of medicine.
Before using any longevity molecule, you first want to first ensure it’s a good match for your genes. Some people have horrific responses to the most well-studied and safe supplements like creatine. If you take a quality genetic test & analysis, you’d skip the potentially dangerous trial-and-effort.
After confirming that you don’t have any negative contraindications with the substance, you want to establish your current state (baseline) to compare to after testing the substance.
Most people don’t care much about biochemical theory, so instead you want to know how this actually impacts your rate of aging. You accomplish this via accurate biological age testing.
The Top Longevity Ingredients of 2025 & Beyond
Now, let’s discuss some of the most promising longevity-enhancing supplements, nutrients, and drugs. Before using anything, I suggest doing some more research and seeing how they interact with your DNA.
If manually stacking these substances is too complicated, check out my review of the best all-in-one longevity supplements for maximum healthspan.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin, affectionately dubbed “nature’s sunscreen” is the compound giving krill and salmon their reddish flesh. As a supplement, it acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the brain, nervous system, heart, and mitochondria.
Astaxanthin has full-body effects, ranging from skin beautification and UV protection, to free radical scavenging to reducing inflammation, to boosting brain function.
I personally use it to stabilize fish oil (prevent it from aging). Or whenever I expect to spend significant time in the sun.
Most Astaxanthin research comes out of Japan. Could this molecule be their secret to long life? If you’re curious and want to learn more, here’s my guide on the top astaxanthin supplements.
Spermidine
If its name doesn’t give Spermidine’s origin away, it is a natural component of… sperm. Our bodies (male and female) produce only one-third of the spermidine in our body. The rest comes from diet. You’ll get trace amounts from fruits, wheat germ, soybeans, vegetables, meat, and cheese. Perhaps ample dietary spermidine explains the high life expectancy among Asians.
Spermidine research is sparse but growing. With recent studies finding that it:
- Extends healthspan
- Neuroprotective (in rats with Parkinson’s)
- Lowers all-cause mortality (chance of dying from anything)
- Reduces blood pressure
- Induces autophagy
On the beauty front, users report faster hair growth and fullness, and stronger nails.
Interesting in trying it out? Check out this roundup & review of the best spermidine supplements.
Some of the research suggesting that spermidine supplements do not increase blood levels failed to account for the differences between synthetic and natural forms. Similar to the top dietary sources, natural spermidine supplements also contain other polyamines which appear to work synergistically with spermidine to increase your levels.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)
NAD is considered the energy currency of the body. Without it, you’d die within 30-seconds. 500+ processes throughout the body require NAD to function. David Sinclair popularized NAD with his book Lifespan [Amazon] and interviews on top biohacking & high-performance health podcasts. His lab has found incredible full-body healing effects from topping off NAD.
It declines as we age. As it drops, aging accelerates. Our brain and body become frail. There are three primary pathways to increase levels and slow aging.
| Pathway | Starting Material | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| De Novo | Tryptophan | Tryptophan → Kynurenine → Quinolinic Acid → NAD+ |
Preiss-Handler | Nicotinic Acid | Nicotinic Acid → NaMN → NaAD → NAD+ |
| Salvage | Nicotinamide | Nicotinamide → NMN → NAD+ |
Practically, you accomplish this several ways.
First and most importantly, improve your body’s efficiency of recycling NAD through improving the salvage pathway. My article on natural NAD boosters explains cheap (and free) ways to keep levels high.
Niacin or niacinamide is a great and inexpensive place to start for most people [R].
Then, you can either use one of the best all-in-one NAD+ boosting supplements (recommended), or take either of the two popular precursors (less optimal).
Those two main precursors recommended by longevity scientists include Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). All-in-one NAD+ supplements are superior because they contain additional ingredients that help NMN or NR work better and with fewer downsides.
Optimize NAD and you’ll feel more energetic and live longer.
Bioregulator Peptides
Therapeutic peptides are short strings of amino acids (like mini proteins). Similarly, bioregulator peptides are even shorter strings of amino acids (like mini peptides).
Their small molecular size seems insignificant, but gives these substances some major advantages. Unlike most therapeutic peptides, bioregulators resist degradation by stomach acid and work when taken as capsules. No injections necessary.
Bioregulators fall into the category of DNA-protecting geroprotectors because they bind to your DNA and modulate genes associated with youthfulness.
Each bioregulator targets a different organ system, improving core hallmarks of aging. The most famous bioregulator is a copper peptide called GHK-Cu.
Learn more in my ultimate guide to peptide bioregulators.
Bioregulators are one of the emerging frontiers of longevity due to their unparalleled safety profile and potential to effectively and systemically support longevity.
Senolytics
As cells age and get exposed to inevitable stressors, some become dysfunctional. They stop working yet continue consuming energy and resources. All while causing inflammation. Then, they infect other neighboring cells.
Because of this process, these senescent cells earned the nickname “zombie cells”.
Senescent cell accumulation is one of the core hallmarks of the aging process. The more senescent cells in your body, the less efficiently it works.
An entire class of therapeutics called senolytics selectively kill these zombie cells.
The best part?
The “hit-and-run” senolytic protocol produces results from just two days of supplementation.
There are lots of protocols, senolytic substances, and products. Check out my guide to the best senolytic therapy supplements to learn more.
Senolytic therapies directly target one of the hallmarks of aging and only require a few doses to accomplish the effect.
Epitalon
Epitalon is a synthetic anti-aging peptide identified as a crucial extract of cow pineal glands. Epitalon is widely considered one of the best therapeutic peptides for health. It works by activating an enzyme called telomerase. Telomeres are like protective caps that guard your DNA. Self-quantification enthusiasts use telomere testing to quantify their lifestyle changes. To get objective lifestyle scoring from subjective practices.
You can use a genetic analysis tool called SelfDecode to see if your telomerase enzymes are generating enough “protective caps” for your DNA. Check your results for the following:
- TERT
- TERC
- RTEL1
- ACYP2
- OBFC1
If you have variants that lead to shorter telomere length, epitalon can be especially valuable.
Essentially, epitalon protects your genes against the normal corruption that occurs as we age. It has quickly become one of the most popular peptides amongst anti-aging enthusiasts. Epitalon also is known to heal the pineal gland from injury or calcification (see other pineal gland health tips here).
It’s very difficult to find, and only available via some of the best peptide vendors online.
Essential Nutrients
Humans require a diverse array of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from diet to survive.
This earns them the label “essential nutrients” (versus non-essential or conditionally-essential nutrients which the body can produce on its own).
You can survive just fine with minimal essential nutrients. Your body will reduce the function of certain systems (ie immunity, detoxification, brain power, athleticism, etc) and even break down bones to strip these key nutrients from them.
Some of the most important essential nutrients to consume more of include:
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
- Water soluble vitamins (C, B complex)
- Minerals & trace minerals
- Magnesium
- Essential amino acids
Deficiency of any of these nutrients directly detracts from your healthspan, and indirectly from your lifespan.
Consuming ample “essential” nutrients are among the most important supplements for every facet of your health, including longevity.
5-Amino-1MQ
This is, hands down, the most interesting compound I came across in 2020. 5-Amino-1MQ blocks an enzyme called NNMT, accelerating fat burning. It’s perhaps the ultimate body transformation agent. Possibly only outmatched by tesofensine.
Users easily shed body fat, pack on muscle, boost cellular energy, and improve athletic performance.
The (limited) evidence so far is compelling:
- From 14 days of use, an athletic pharmacist named Ryan Smith increased his vertical by an entire 7 inches!
- Mice given it lost 6% of their body weight in 11 days
How does this translate into a longer healthspan?
Lean body mass and strength are two of the greatest predictors of longevity.
Despite its long scientific name, 5A1MQ is quite possibly the superhuman compound of the future. Unfortunately, it’s rather difficult and expensive to source. You can buy 5-Amino-1MQ at this shop.
Ketones
The ketogenic diet has become popular for two primary reasons: weight loss and mental clarity.
When your body begins burning body fat, it generates a special type of fuel called ketones. Ketones are like rocket fuel for the brain, supplying hours of clean-burning energy.
Ketones elevate healthy brains to higher levels of performance. Though they’re vital for aged and concussed brains since they cannot effectively burn normal fuel (carbohydrates). When running with limited fuel, the brain diverts energy only to the regions that need it most. The rest shut down.
Elevating ketone levels in the blood provides the brain with an additional fuel source, re-activating shutdown regions.
The body can produce its own ketones from strict carbohydrate avoidance. Special products, however, can accelerate the process (and reduce the agony of the transition period — nicknamed “keto flu”).
Exogenous ketone drinks & supplements (I’ve reviewed many of the best products available) can slow aging, improve cognition, and help stave off neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Pterostilbene
Have you heard that red wine is good for you?
Red wine aficionados celebrated when scientists discovered a molecule called resveratrol. Thousands of studies and 15 years later, resveratrol hasn’t lived up to expectations. Though Pterostilbene and resveratrol share similar molecular structures, Pterostilbene has a major advantage…
It appears to work better.
Like most longevity molecules, experts don’t exactly understand why. Pterostilbene research lags about ten years behind resveratrol. Still, over 400 studies support Psterostilbene as a potent health-supporting compound. Producing anti-aging effects like:
- Strong free radical scavenger
- Enhancing endogenous antioxidants
- Activating sirtuins
- Activating AMP Kinase
- Caloric restriction mimetic (tricks your body into the cellular regeneration that usually only occurs when starving)
- Increasing autophagy
- Increasing DNA repair mechanisms
Top longevity scientists regularly mention it in their books. It’s one of Dr. Sandy Kaufmann’s favorite molecules.
The main concern (for some) is that it may increase cholesterol a bit more than resveratrol.
Pterostilbene is resveratrol’s more potent sibling.
Fullerene (C-60 Oil)
C60, Buckminsterfullerene, or even buckyballs—whatever you call it—is a promising antioxidant with powerful lifespan-lengthening effects in animal studies.
One study found that C60 increased rat lifespan by 90%! Other mouse studies have shown lifespan increases of 5% to 14%. Though, to date, few studies have investigated C60 in humans.
Early research suggests that it works two ways:
- Removing metabolic waste
- Neutralizing free radicals
Other benefits of C-60 supplementation include:
- Killing microbes
- Protecting nerves
- Preventing skin damage
Panacea or risky chemical? It’s still too early to say. But biohackers remain optimistic. I’ve been experimenting and testing it for over 6 months now. Resulting in this C60 supplement comparison & review.
Molecular Hydrogen (H2)
One of the oldest and most abundant elements in the universe. H2 is the smallest gas molecule in existence. And it may benefit every cell in your body.
Did you know that some free radicals aren’t bad? They can be important signaling molecules.
Most antioxidants indiscriminately scavenge all free radicals, which comes with unintended side effects. Molecular hydrogen selectively mops up only the toxic free radicals while avoiding the essentials.
Over 1,000 high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific articles and studies support H2 for:
- Combating brain inflammation
- Decreasing oxidative stress
- Activating protective pathways (NRF2)
- Cleaning neurons
- Reducing inflammation
- Preventing damage caused by chronic stress
For greater detail, see my guide to molecular hydrogen tablets. Or, for the ultimate upgrade that’s the superior cousin of molecular hydrogen, check out this post on the science and benefits of Brown’s Gas.
Cannabinoids
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) restores full-body homeostasis. Lifestyle practices, supplements, and compounds naturally activate this system:
- Avoiding pesticides
- Optimizing omega-3 fat intake
- Fasting
- Exercise
- Reducing stress
- Cold thermogenesis
- Caffeine
Cannabis has 130+ (and counting) known non-psychoactive compounds that don’t get you high but exert potent health-balancing effects. Today, CBD has beaten out the others as the most popular cannabinoid.
Researchers are in the midst of uncovering the myriad health benefits of others. CBN, CBG, CBC, CBCA, and other cannabinoids can play safe and effective roles in improving a wide range of conditions. For healthy, condition-free folks too. I expect research on this adaptogenic system and therapy to pick up. This is the best hemp/CBD supplement I’ve found.
Turmeric (+ Curcumin)
Turmeric is India’s original longevity (and flavor) enhancing root. Curcumin is the most heavily researched active ingredient in turmeric, making up 77% of the curcuminoids. Usually, the roots are ground up and powdered. Only then do supplement manufacturers extract curcumin.
Most of the benefits of curcumin come from its anti-inflammatory effects. Considering that inflammation is the root of most disease, this is significant. Some research suggests that it might be as effective as NSAIDs like Tylenol to reduce inflammation. Without nasty side effects.
Curcumin, however, is but one of many active ingredients in turmeric. I prefer cooking with powder and a source of fat to ensure that I get all the beneficial phytonutrients in turmeric.
Rhodiola
Where turmeric was an anti-aging Indian staple, the Chinese, Russians, and Scandinavians relied on Rhodiola. Rhodiola is a semi-rare and valuable medicinal plant that grows at high altitudes (up to 2280 m). Only in the arctic and mountainous regions.
While traditionally used as a stress-busting “adaptogen”, more recent research supports what ancient cultures have known for millennia. Rhodiola deserves recognition for its longevity-boosting effects.
The many uses of Rhodiola include:
- Anti-aging
- Anti-inflammation
- Anti-stresses
- Antioxidant
- Anti-viral
- Anti-cancer
- Increasing immunity
- Enhancing DNA repair
- Improving adaptation to hypoxia and angiogenesis
From athletes to astronauts, some research suggests that Rhodiola mitigates and treats disease, and improves overall health. Even among healthy populations. You can grab high-quality Rhodiola here.
Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Non-psychedelic mushrooms have an extensive history of use dating back millennia. For virtually every ailment or use imaginable.
More recent science has confirmed these natural fungi contain a plethora of bioactive substances. Thousands of which directly impact human health.
One such example is an amino acid called ergothioneine. This substance is so important to human health that researchers considered classifying it as an essential nutrient alongside vitamins and minerals. You can get ample dosage from culinary mushrooms or via ergothioneine supplements.
Not only do most medicinal mushrooms protect against conditions that cause early mortality, but they also confer other health benefits and are often used as adjunctive treatments.
Some of the many common and powerful functional mushroom supplements include:
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
- Lion’s mane
- Turkey tail
- Chaga
Traditional Chinese Medicine even nicknamed reishi the “mushroom of immortality”. No wonder these natural supplements are experiencing a resurgence among the longevity community.
Collagen Peptides
The human body is mostly made up of water, amino acids, minerals, and collagen. Collagen contains certain non-essential amino acids (mostly glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) that most of us don’t get enough of in our diet.
Glycine, one of the three dominant amino acids in it, is considered one the top anti-aging amino acids.
Even if you consume meat and take grass-fed whey protein supplements, you’re very likely deficient in collagen. It certainly works to improve visual signs of biological aging [R].
Collagen is vital not only to your beauty, but also to the production (and repair) of joints, tendons, cartilage, muscle, organ tissue, fascia, and a whole lot more.
These form the scaffolding of your body which is why longevity supplement lists always include collagen. It’s only getting more popular over time too.
There are other other ways to naturally increase your collagen levels such as consuming bone broth or other gelatin-rich foods too.
Dasatinib
As we age, some of our cells evade cleanup by the immune system. These freeloaders shirk their normal cellular responsibilities while still consuming energy. Sometimes called “zombie cells”, senescent cells accumulate as we age and make us less efficient.
Fasting, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle practices induce the cellular cleanup process called autophagy. Cells undergo greater scrutiny, allowing us to kill these senescent cells.
Dasatinib is actually a cancer medication but with unique properties. It acts as a senolytic; a compound that induces the autophagy cleanup process. For those that cannot exercise or fast, it’s now receiving attention for anti-aging effects.
While far too risky for a good first line of defense, longevity researchers pay close attention to senolytics.
Rapamycin
Also called Sirolimus, rapamycin is a molecule discovered on Easter Island. It belongs to a family of drugs called rapalogs.
It’s primarily used to suppress immunity. Useful for overactive immune systems and to ensure successful transplants. Rapamycin is a “senomorphic”, meaning that it prevents senescent (zombie) cells from releasing inflammatory molecules. Research from the last few years has found that it improves cellular health and thus potentially increases lifespan.
Although the mouse doses that increase lifespan may decrease healthspan [R].
Rapamycin has its issues. For example, it may promote diabetes [R]. And it works by blunting the anabolic mTOR pathway. Blocking mTOR is a bad idea for anyone looking to build muscle or keep testosterone levels high [R].
Rapamycin’s no joke. In the wrong hands or use without close supervision is dangerous. It was a major part of longevity self-experimenter Bryan Johnson’s stack until he frequently got sick and experienced side effects [R]. I wouldn’t touch it, but its use is only increasing in the longevity world.
Metformin
Metformin, a drug extracted from French Lilac, is a controversial subject in biohacking communities. On one hand, it’s well studied. With its cellular mechanisms showing promise in promoting healthy aging. For years, it was all the excitement of longevity enthusiasts.
Metformin activates the cellular cleanup AMPK pathway but damages mitochondria in the process. That may not be as bad as it sounds. Researchers speculate that the micro-mitochondrial damage results in them regenerating stronger (much like how strength training causes micro-tears in muscle which then grow after rest). That phenomenon is called hormesis.
Longevity interest in metformin began to dwindle with a 2021 randomized, placebo-controlled, human trial that found no longevity benefit [R].
Then, a follow up 2022 study found that all dosages of metformin increased risk of dying from any cause [R].
In the USA, it’s prescription only. Better yet, for longevity purposes, I prefer highly-effective natural metformin alternatives. That article also covers the serious drawbacks of off-label Metformin use for anti-aging.
ISRIB
An experimental drug short for Integrated Stress Response Inhibitor.
A 2013 rodent study found that it produced significant nootropic learning and memory enhancement. It’s being investigated as a treatment to reverse the impairments from traumatic brain injury. ISRIB appears to also restore memory in older non-TBI mice.
Best of all, cutting-edge December 2020 research found that it reverses can reverse age-related declines in memory and mental flexibility within days of starting use. Shattering the previously held belief of permanent memory loss.
Another risky compound with potential.
The Future of Anti-Aging & Longevity Biohacking Supplements
“Aging is a disease.”
— Unknown
The current paradigm is changing.
Classifying aging as a disease will draw massive funding to longevity laboratories across the world. Some of today’s greatest minds are working tirelessly on uncovering anti-aging habits, natural ingredients, and synthetic molecules that will lengthen the quantity and improve the quality of our lives.
You don’t need a 4.5 million dollar laboratory to slow your aging.
New technologies like biological age testing show that these new protocols really work! I managed to reverse my biological age by almost nine years.
Start slowing the biological aging process the simple way:
- Eat a clean diet with unprocessed fats, carbs and ample protein. Regularly cook with herbs and spices like turmeric
- Increase your ketone levels naturally by fasting, exercising, or with the right products
- Try molecular hydrogen to quell inflammation
- Use NAD boosters for extracellular energy
Only then would I consider the fancy longevity supplements and peptides.
Fancy or not, what do you do (or take) to boost your healthspan? Share your top tips in the comments below.
