Summary
Rhonda Patrick examines the evidence on resveratrol as a longevity compound. Critically evaluates the research, separating hype from what the data actually shows about this popular supplement.
Key Points
- Resveratrol research overview
- Sirtuin activation claims examined
- Bioavailability challenges
- What the human studies actually show
- Practical recommendations
Key Moments
Sinclair's information theory of aging explained
David Sinclair proposes aging is loss of epigenetic information. The genome is digital and stable; the epigenome is analog and degrades.
"The epigenome is the reader of the genome and it's analog and very hard to maintain over 80 years. It's a loss of information. It has to be the key."
Fasting activates all four aging pathways
Fasting and caloric restriction affect AMP kinase, sirtuins, mTOR, and IGF-1 signaling, all of which can also be targeted by NAD precursors.
"The AMP kinase, the sirtuins, the mTOR, and IGF-1 insulin signaling, all those aging pathways certainly are affected by fasting and caloric restriction."
NAD boosters improve brain function in mice
NAD boosters help the brain in mouse models. NMN given to normal aging mice improved skeletal muscle and mitochondrial function.
"The NAD boosters also help the brain. So at least in mice, a couple of labs have shown this is working."
Related Research
The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial.
A dose-dependent RCT found that 300, 600, and 900 mg/day NMN safely increased blood NAD+ levels and improved walking endurance in healthy middle-aged adults over 60 days.
Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults
NR supplementation (500mg twice daily) was well-tolerated in older adults, increased NAD+ by ~60%, and showed trends toward reduced blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
Chronic nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation elevates blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels and alters muscle function in healthy older men
250mg NMN daily for 12 weeks improved gait speed, grip strength, and NAD+ levels in healthy older men, suggesting functional benefits for aging muscle.
