1. What we mean by anti-aging medicine
Defining terms
“Anti-aging” often means two things: (1) slowing or reversing biological processes that lead to disease (increasing health span), and (2) cosmetic reduction of visible signs (skin and hair). Scientific anti-aging research focuses on measurable biology — cellular senescence, DNA methylation clocks, inflammation, and mitochondrial function — not magic pills. Translational research aims to turn laboratory findings into safe clinical interventions for humans.
2. Lifestyle: the foundation that works today
Exercise, diet, sleep and avoidance of toxins
Robust evidence shows regular physical activity (including resistance training), a diet rich in whole foods, adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco/alcohol excess meaningfully reduce age-related disease risk and disability. These interventions lower inflammation, improve metabolic health, and preserve physical and cognitive function — the same targets many anti-aging drugs aim to influence.
3. Supplements with the strongest and most realistic evidence
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s (EPA + DHA) have the best combination of trial data and biological plausibility for cardiovascular and inflammatory benefits. Typical supportive use ranges around 1,000 mg/day of combined EPA+DHA for general adult support; higher therapeutic doses (2,000–3,000 mg) are sometimes used under medical supervision.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D status is associated with several aging-related outcomes. Evidence suggests benefit primarily for those who are deficient. Testing 25-OH vitamin D before high-dose supplementation is recommended. Maintenance dosing often ranges from 1,000–2,000 IU/day, while deficiency correction protocols may use higher short-term dosing as directed by a clinician.
Other common supplements (collagen, CoQ10, resveratrol, antioxidants)
Collagen products and many topical/oral antioxidants may improve skin appearance or cellular support, but high-quality evidence that they slow systemic biological aging in humans is limited or mixed. Treat these as potentially useful for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons rather than proven life-extension agents.
4. Prescription drugs and emerging therapies: promise and caveats
Metformin
Metformin, a diabetes medication, affects metabolic pathways linked to longevity in animal models. Human data are mixed; evidence is not conclusive enough to recommend metformin for healthy individuals solely for longevity. Use should be under medical supervision or within trials.
Rapamycin and mTOR inhibitors
Rapamycin extends lifespan in animals and modulates mTOR signaling implicated in aging. Human trials are still early; questions remain about dosing, immune effects, and long-term safety. Experimental use requires careful medical oversight.
NAD+ boosters and senolytics
NAD+ precursors (NR, NMN) and senolytics are promising in animals and early human studies, but require larger, longer trials to confirm benefits and safety across diverse populations.
5. Safety, regulation, and a pragmatic approach
Regulatory landscape
Dietary supplements are not regulated like prescription drugs in many countries. Manufacturers are often not required to prove efficacy before marketing, which leads to variable product quality. Choose supplements with third-party testing (COAs), transparent labels, and reputable manufacturers.
Biological age vs. real outcomes
Biological-age clocks are useful research tools but imperfect. Focus on multifactorial outcomes such as function, disease incidence, and quality of life rather than single-biomarker claims.
Work with a clinician
Always discuss supplements or off-label drug use with a clinician. Baseline labs (vitamin D, lipids, glucose, kidney/liver function) and medication interaction checks are prudent steps before starting new regimens.
Reputable supplement brands and suggested doses
Below are reputable supplement types, example brands commonly recommended, and typical starting doses. These are general suggestions — individual dosing should be personalized by a healthcare provider.
| Supplement Type | Example Brands / Products | Typical Dose | Notes / Caveats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) | Nordic Naturals; Puritan’s Pride; Carlson; Sports Research | ~1,000–2,000 mg/day combined EPA+DHA | Check EPA+DHA on label (not just total oil). If on blood thinners, consult a doctor. |
| Vitamin D3 | Pure Encapsulations; reputable pharmacy brands | Maintenance: 1,000–2,000 IU/day; Deficiency correction: higher under medical guidance | Test 25-OH vitamin D before large doses; consider vitamin K2 with high D for bone/calcium metabolism. |
| NAD+ precursors (NR / NMN) | Tru Niagen; Thorne; Elysium; verified NMN brands | Start 250–500 mg/day; some protocols use up to ~1,000 mg/day | Long-term safety still being studied; cost and purity vary by brand. |
| Combination longevity formulas | NMN + resveratrol blends; multi-ingredient longevity supplements | Typical NMN 250–500 mg + resveratrol 100–300 mg (varies) | Bioavailability matters; higher doses increase cost and potential side effects. |
Suggested starter protocol (general, healthy adults)
- Omega-3: ~1,000 mg/day EPA+DHA.
- Vitamin D3: test and then maintain ~1,000–2,000 IU/day or follow clinician plan.
- NAD+ precursor (NR or NMN): start ~250 mg/day, increase cautiously if advised.
Brands and availability in Nigeria (practical options)
If you live in Nigeria, the following products/retailers are options to check. Always verify authenticity and ask for product batch/COA information when possible.
| Product | Brand / Retailer | Key Details | Approx. Price (Naira) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Fish Oil (1000 mg, 60 softgels) | Puritan’s Pride via TosNigeria | International brand; reasonably reliable purity | ~₦11,400 |
| Daravit Omega-3 (1000 mg) | Daravit (Jumia Nigeria) | Regionally available; check EPA/DHA per softgel | ~₦9,200–₦10,000 |
| Omega-3 + Vitamin D combo | Natural Factors Searich (Dr Nutrition) | Combines fish oil and vitamin D for convenience | Varies by seller |
| NMN supplements | Various sellers on Jumia / U-Buy / local stores | Quality varies widely — seek COAs and verified suppliers | Varies widely (often higher cost) |
Note: Local availability and prices change frequently. Where possible, choose sellers with clear return policies and authenticity guarantees.
Conclusion — actionable takeaways
- Prioritize lifestyle first. Movement, resistance training, whole-food nutrition, sleep and avoiding smoking deliver the largest anti-aging benefits.
- Consider omega-3s and vitamin D where appropriate. For many adults, ~1,000 mg/day omega-3 and vitamin D after testing are sensible additions.
- Be skeptical of miracle claims. Treat collagen/topical products as cosmetic aids rather than systemic life-extension solutions.
- Drug interventions are experimental. Metformin, rapamycin and NAD+ approaches show promise but should be used only with medical supervision or in clinical trials.
- Check quality and interactions. Use third-party tested supplements and review interactions with your clinician.
Anti-aging medicine is advancing rapidly: science is identifying actionable pathways, but the safest and most effective strategies remain a healthy lifestyle plus selective, evidence-based supplementation under medical guidance. If you want, I can also:
- Produce a short checklist to take to your clinician before starting supplements
- Curate a buying list of lab-tested NMN/NR suppliers that ship reliably to Nigeria (with landed cost estimates)
- Generate social-shareable excerpts or a featured image concept for this post
