The family of Sirtuin genes has been linked to longevity.  Activating them generally appears to increase lifespan.  This has been demonstrated in several species, though there is some controversy about its degree of effect. Resveratrol is a small polyphenol molecule found in among other places, grapes.  There has been research suggesting that resveratrol activates the sirtuins but this too remains [...]

The nutritive supplement industry is booming with over 30 billion in annual sales and about half the adult US population consuming them. People taking these agents in an effort ot prevent disease.  Chief among people hopes for supplements is the belief that that cancer may be prevented. Antioxidants are often touted as having the potential to prevent cancer.  Theoretically cells turn cancerous when [...]

Aging is a multifactorial process. Maximal lifespan is highly variable among people, and is related to genes, lifestyle and chance in equal parts. There is no question lifestyle plays a role and diet and exercise account for a significant portion of that. Many dietary agents have been reported to extend lifespan in animals. Chief among them include resveratrol, green tea, and curcumin. Researchers [...]

The recent report by Moussa et al has taken the Internet by sensation.  They showed rather convincingly that chronic daily oral consumption of C60 fullerene by Wistar rats almost doubled both mean and maximal lifespan compared to control. The oldest lived rat in the C60 group actually lived to 66 months which appears to be a record. C60 is commonly known as a buckyball and is a pure carbon molecule [...]

Vitamin D is an extremely important compound as it is necessary for the proper functioning of over 3000 human genes. Not surprisingly, deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to many disease states, the number of which is increasing rapidly in recent years of research. One area that remains controversial is whether low vitamin D status is associated with cancer. In the current study, researchers [...]

Cellular senescence refers to the state of cell development in which it becomes unable to divide. Senescent cells tend to accrue damage and dysfunction and play an essential role in aging. Vitamin C, required in the diet, has been shown in studies to delay cellular senescence. In the current study researchers explored this possibility further by examining the effect of vitamin C on mouse embryonic [...]

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea and safe for humans to consume. There is a small body of literature showing the compound has anti-cancer effects, anti-Alzheimer’s effects, and may help reduce both body mass and blood pressure. Based on these reported health benefits, scientists hypothesized L-theanine could have lifespan extending effects. They tested it on [...]

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid found in the bloodstream.  In addition to serving its role as an amino acid building block for protein synthesis, it serves other crucial roles in cells. Though not essential, many cells cannot survive in its absence.  Need for it increases in stress, and it regulates cell differentiation and survival.  Glutamine is also important in brain cell health [...]

Fish has long been known as a brain food as the omega-3 fatty acids found in many fish are an important constituent of brain tissue. These compounds are not produced by the human body and must be consumed in the diet.  As such omega-3 fatty acids in the form of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are a commonly taken supplement. Evidence supporting the benefit of omega-3 consumption [...]

Add another one to the list of studies that fail to support the use of commonly used supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil are often ascribed significant health benefits. Mainly they are believed to reduce triglyceride levels and have protective effects against cardiovascular disease. However, through anti-inflammatory and possibly antiproliferation pathways it is hoped that they may help [...]