Nutrition Ingredients to Support Longevity
Examples involve smoking, alcohol or sun burn – all of which should be avoided as to not cause DNA damage to the body. One major factor that improves an individual’s health and lifespan is maintaining a healthy nutritional profile, as it reduces the development of age-related diseases. As part of understanding the overall nutritional profile, specific substances with anti-aging processes are currently being discussed and investigated. Research has indicated that Rapamycin, Metformin and Spermidine have possible potential to function as anti-ageing bioactive substances.
Rapamycin: Decelerating Ageing
Rapamycin is a secondary metabolite produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It was discovered in 1976 on Easter Island, through the analysis of a soil sample (Liu, Y et al. 2018) and is currently used as an immunosuppressive substance to help prevent organ transplant rejection. However, more recently, research has discovered that Rapamycin may have anti-ageing properties. Rapamycin has not yet been tried as an anti-ageing supplement on humans but has been tested on mice, with results indicating increased longevity. Rapamycin works by inhibiting the mTOR mechanism, which regulates RNA translation, cellular growth and metabolism. This inhibition process relies on the protein FKBP12, which binds specifically to Rapamycin. When FKBP12 binds to Rapamycin, they form a complex that blocks the mTOR receptor. Consequently, this inhibition decelerates the process of ageing (Blagosklonny, M. 2018). Some potential side effects of Rapamycin include increased risk of infection and abnormal wound healing due to the immunosuppressive effects the drug still exerts.
Metformin: Improving Insulin Responsiveness
Another interesting substance being discussed in the context of longevity is Metformin, which is derived from a plant called Galega, commonly found in the grasslands of Asia and Europe. Metformin is typically used to help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cognitive conditions, all of which are associated with the ageing process. Metformin improves the body’s responsiveness to insulin, which lowers blood glucose concentration in the body while also providing antioxidant effects and improving blood vessel health (Shmerling, R. 2024). This is achieved because Metformin inhibits glucogenesis – the production of glucose from the storage molecule glycogen via the hormone glucagon. Therefore, by inhibiting the production of glucose, its concentration in the blood decreases.
This results in secondary effects on the body, such as cardiovascular benefits, due to enhanced lipid metabolism, leading to lower cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol levels, in turn, reduce the risk of blocked arteries in the heart, decreasing the likelihood of heart attacks. Therefore, if taken as a supplement, Metformin could potentially promote customer longevity by reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Metformin tends to have mild side effects including nausea and diarrhoea. However, a rare but severe side effect is lactic acidosis – a build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream – and tends to pose a higher risk for individuals with severe kidney disease. In this case, the substance should be avoided (Shmerling, R. 2024).
Spermidine: Natural Cell Protector
Spermidine has many roles in maintaining cellular health. High levels of Spermidine can also be found in vegetables such as mushrooms and dried soybeans (Fan, J et al. 2020). Spermidine supports cellular functions by regulating autophagy and gene expression. By controlling autophagy, Spermidine helps to clear cellular debris and maintain cellular homeostasis, which slows the ageing process by providing multiple health benefits.
Data has shown that Spermidine decreases blood glucose concentration, increases bone strength and has anti-inflammatory effects – all of which enhance longevity (Kink, S. 2023). Due to its natural composition, Spermidine rarely causes side effects, making it suitable for consumption by a wide range of individuals (Kink, S. 2023).
As longevity research is continuously evolving, more knowledge on the physiological effects of these three substances will be generated. This will form the basis for their possible approvals for use in food and supplements.
1 Liu, Y. Yang, F. Zou, S and Qu, L. (2018). Front Pharmacol. Rapamycin: A Bacteria-Derived Immunosuppressant that has Anti-atherosclerotic Effects and Its Clinical Application.
2 Blagoskonny, M. (2018). Oncotarget. Does Rapamycin slow down time?
3 Shmerling, R. (2024). Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. Is Metformin a wonder drug?
4 Fan, J. Feng, Z. Chen, N. (2020). Spermidine as a target for cancer therapy.
5 Kink, S. (2023). Healthnews. Spermidine and Its Benefits for Longevity Goals.