Longevity Experiments and Safety: Who Is at Higher Risk

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This page describes who may face higher risks from longevity products and experiments. It is information only. It does not tell anyone to start, stop or change a medicine or supplement; that decision belongs with your prescriber or pharmacist. If someone has a severe reaction, call your local emergency number (911 in the US). For a possible poisoning in the US, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222; other countries are listed in Poison Help by country.

Longevity is a research field, not a treatment category

Most longevity ideas come from cell and animal studies, which are preclinical (cells or animals only). Evidence labels used here: approved medicine, established, promising but limited, mixed, insufficient evidence, no good evidence of benefit and evidence of harm. For an overview of the labels see how we label evidence in longevity research.

The National Institute on Aging says that advertisements may promise supplements will help you live longer, but often there is little, if any, science supporting these claims. [1] NCCIH adds that most research shows multivitamins do not result in living longer. [2]

Why "natural" does not mean low risk

The National Institute on Aging notes that something being called natural does not mean it is safe, and that it might make a prescribed medicine weaker or stronger. [3][4] In the US, the FDA can act against adulterated or misbranded supplements only after a product is on the market. [5] NCCIH also warns that supplements bought in stores or online may differ in important ways from products tested in studies, and that some products sold as supplements, mainly for weight loss, sexual enhancement and bodybuilding, may contain prescription drugs or unlisted ingredients. [6][7]

Who may be at higher risk

Rows describe risks from sources, not a complete list. Other groups, such as people with a long list of medicines, are covered in older adults, polypharmacy and supplements.

Higher amounts and "stacks"

The National Institute on Aging cautions that more is not necessarily better and that taking too many supplements can be harmful. [21] A Cochrane review of 78 trials found no evidence to support antioxidant supplements for prevention, and beta-carotene and vitamin E seem to increase mortality. [22][23] Large combined products are discussed in longevity supplement blends and product claims. Injected or imported products, including peptides, carry added risks covered in peptide safety.

Experimental clinics and procedures

Stem cell and exosome products sold outside regulated trials are a separate concern. The FDA has received reports of blindness, tumor formation and infections from unapproved regenerative products. [24] See stem cell and regenerative clinics marketed for aging and emerging research on reprogramming and gene therapy.

What a safer conversation looks like

The American Geriatrics Society suggests keeping a list of all medicines, including supplements, bringing it to appointments, and not stopping a medicine without checking first. [25][26][27] Reading guides: talking with a health professional and medication interactions.