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Published Jul 29, 2024

Dr. Peter Attia: Supplements for Longevity & Their Efficacy

Dr. Peter Attia and Andrew Huberman dive into the potential and limitations of supplements like NAD, NMN, rapamycin, and resveratrol for extending lifespan, critically examining their efficacy against traditional lifestyle behaviors and exploring the role of sirtuins and caloric restriction in the quest for longevity.
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  • NAD's Role

    explains the critical role of NAD in cellular energy production, emphasizing its function in the electron transport chain within mitochondria. He notes that NAD and NADH are essential for converting chemical energy from food into electrical energy, which is then used to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells 1. Andrew Huberman2.

    NAD levels are declining with age in most tissues. It appears most prevalent in the skin of all places.

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    This decline in NAD is linked to aging, with significant reductions observed in the skin and other tissues 3.

       

    Supplement Debate

    The debate over NAD supplementation centers on its potential to counteract age-related declines in NAD levels. highlights that while NAD levels decrease with age, there is no conclusive evidence that supplementing NAD or its precursors, NMN and NR, effectively addresses this issue 4. shares his experience with NAD infusions, noting the discomfort during the process but a perceived increase in energy afterward 5.

    The fact that something feels so awful shouldn't be used as an explanation for why it's doing good physiologically.

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    Huberman also discusses the practical aspects of taking NR and NMN, suggesting that NR may be more effective due to its ability to cross cell membranes directly 6.

       

    Efficacy Critique

    Skepticism surrounds the efficacy of NAD supplementation, with questioning the tangible benefits of increased NAD levels. He points out the high costs of NAD infusions and the lack of clear evidence linking them to extended lifespan 7. argues that the commercial debate between NMN and NR is largely irrelevant, as both supplements show minimal impact on lifespan 8.

    Does increasing intracellular NAD matter when the system is so tightly regulated?

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    Attia suggests that lifestyle changes, such as exercise, may offer more significant benefits for longevity than costly NAD infusions 9.

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