Mark Garbinson of DGM News presents a curated list of evidence-backed supplements—such as curcumin, NMN, and astaxanthin—that target aging mechanisms by modulating sirtuins, enhancing mitochondrial function, and mitigating chronic inflammation to preserve skin elasticity, joint mobility, and cognitive performance.
Key points
Trans-resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and activates sirtuin pathways to support cellular longevity.
Ubiquinol-form CoQ10 enhances mitochondrial ATP production and reduces oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes.
NMN and NR precursors elevate NAD+ levels to promote DNA repair and metabolic regulation.
Q&A
What makes trans-resveratrol more bioavailable?
How do sirtuins influence aging?
Why combine curcumin with piperine?
Are NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR interchangeable?
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Academy
Resveratrol: A Natural Longevity Compound
What is Resveratrol? Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in the skin of grapes, berries, peanuts, and red wine that acts as a potent antioxidant. It was first identified for its role in the “French Paradox,” the observation that moderate red wine consumption correlates with lower cardiovascular disease rates despite a rich diet. Resveratrol belongs to the class of stilbenes and is produced by plants in response to stress.
How Resveratrol Works At the cellular level, resveratrol reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and upregulates endogenous antioxidant systems such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. It also activates sirtuin enzymes (mainly SIRT1), which regulate critical pathways involved in DNA repair, metabolic efficiency, and stress resistance. By mimicking some effects of caloric restriction, resveratrol may improve mitochondrial function and cellular longevity.
Bioavailability and Supplementation Pure resveratrol has limited bioavailability due to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestines. To overcome this, supplements often use trans-resveratrol, which is more stable, or formulations with lipid carriers and nanoparticles to enhance absorption. Combining resveratrol with piperine, a black pepper extract, can further increase its bioavailability by inhibiting metabolic enzymes.
Research in Longevity Science Preclinical studies in yeast, worms, and mice suggest that resveratrol extends lifespan, delays age-related decline in motor function, and improves metabolic profiles. Human clinical trials have explored resveratrol’s potential in improving insulin sensitivity, vascular health, and cognitive function, though long-term effects on aging remain under investigation. Research continues to evaluate optimal dosing strategies and combination therapies.
Considerations and Safety Resveratrol is generally well tolerated at moderate doses, with mild gastrointestinal side effects reported at high daily intakes. It may interact with anticoagulant medications and should be used under medical guidance. Quality matters: choosing third-party–tested supplements helps ensure purity and potency.
Optimal Dosage Clinical studies often use 150–500 mg of trans-resveratrol per day, taken with meals to optimize absorption. Higher doses up to 2 grams have been used under monitored conditions, but long-term safety at these levels requires further study. Researchers are investigating slow-release formulations to maintain more stable blood levels.
Future Directions Ongoing trials are combining resveratrol with other longevity interventions such as NAD+ precursors and senolytics to explore synergistic effects. Advances in delivery systems, including micelle-encapsulated resveratrol and solid-lipid nanoparticles, aim to maximize therapeutic outcomes. As research progresses, resveratrol remains a key model compound for understanding how dietary molecules can modulate aging pathways.
