I take a LOT of supplements, and it's not because I like swallowing pills.

Scientific studies and other observations have shown that LIFE, and HEALTHY LIFESPAN, are statistically lengthened by a wide range of supplements. This goes back decades, but the avalanche of new scientific data hasn't missed this area and new understandings plus newly-available supplements are rapidly extending the list of what you might consider taking to live a longer and healthier life.

The list below is nowhere near complete. It's from a series of questions I asked LEO, the AI built into Brave Browser. The original broad question yielded fewer items than I wanted, so, knowing about others, I asked a few more questions.

Abbreviated list of Inexpensive Supplements that EXTEND LIFESPAN

Q: list of supplements that have been shown to EXTEND LIFESPAN of humans or animals

Quick Answer

Several supplements have demonstrated lifespan-extending effects in animal studies, though evidence for direct human lifespan extension remains limited or inconclusive. Creatine has been shown to extend lifespan by 9% in mice, with additional benefits including improved cognitive function and increased lean tissue mass in aging adults. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, extended lifespan by 26% in fruit flies and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, a key antioxidant enzyme. Taurine supplementation led to a 10–12% increase in median lifespan in mice and improved antioxidant defenses. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) increased mean lifespan by 11.7% and maximum lifespan by 24% in mice, supporting mitochondrial function and reducing cellular damage. Resveratrol extended lifespan in 60% of studied organisms, with up to a 70% increase in lifespan observed in yeast, though human trials have not confirmed similar benefits. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), found in green tea, extended median lifespan by 25% in mice and reduced mortality risk by nearly 47%. NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside and NMN, have been shown to extend mean lifespan by 30% in fruit flies, linked to enhanced DNA repair and sirtuin activation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with a 4.7-year increase in life expectancy in humans, primarily through reduced cardiovascular risk and slowed biological aging. While these supplements show promise in preclinical models, large-scale clinical trials in humans have not yet confirmed significant lifespan extension, and the longevity supplement industry remains largely unregulated.

Q: I've seen evidence that glucosamine extends lifespan; can you confirm?

A: Yes, glucosamine has been shown to extend lifespan in animal models. Studies indicate that glucosamine supplementation:

Extended lifespan by almost 10% in aged mice, equivalent to about 8 additional human years, while improving glucose metabolism and mimicking the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet.

Increased lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans (a nematode used in aging research) by up to 30%, with effects linked to autophagy induction and activation of AMPK. Demonstrated dose-dependent lifespan extension, with optimal results at specific dosing levels.

The proposed mechanisms include inhibition of glycolysis, induction of mitochondrial biogenesis, increased amino acid catabolism, and reduced oxidative stress—effects collectively resembling caloric restriction.

While direct evidence of lifespan extension in humans remains limited, large-scale observational studies have associated glucosamine use with lower mortality rates, suggesting potential longevity benefits. However, causal conclusions in humans require further clinical investigation.

Q: Is there evidence the PPQ can extend lifespan?

A: Yes, PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) has been shown to extend lifespan in animal studies. Research primarily conducted in Caenorhabditis elegans (a model organism for aging) demonstrates that PQQ:

Extends mean lifespan by up to 33%, with multiple studies reporting increases between 30–31%.

Enhances oxidative stress resistance and activates key longevity pathways, including the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway and autophagy. Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and function, a mechanism strongly linked to healthy aging.

Increases activity of transcription factors like DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf2, which regulate stress resistance and longevity.

While these effects are robust in preclinical models, direct evidence of lifespan extension in humans has not yet been established. However, PQQ’s role in supporting mitochondrial health, reducing oxidative stress, and activating cellular repair mechanisms makes it a promising candidate in longevity research.

Q: Can senolytics such as fisetin and quercetin extend lifespan?

A: Yes, senolytics like fisetin and quercetin have been shown to extend lifespan in animal models.

Fisetin:

Extended median and maximum lifespan in wild-type mice, even when treatment began late in life (over 20 months old).

Increased lifespan by up to 10% in aged mice, equivalent to about 2.5 months. Showed 30–33% lifespan extension in other studies, with strong senolytic activity in both mouse and human tissues.

Also extended lifespan in Drosophila by 23% and S. cerevisiae by 55%.

Quercetin:

While less potent than fisetin as a senolytic, quercetin has demonstrated anti-aging effects.

In Simocephalus vetulus (a type of water flea), quercetin extended maximum lifespan by about 22%.

Often used in combination with dasatinib (D+Q) [See NOTE below], which has shown improvements in healthspan and reduced senescent cell burden in human trials, though direct lifespan extension in humans remains unproven.

Both compounds reduce senescent cell burden, improve healthspan, and show promise for translational longevity applications.

NOTE: Theaflavins are often used (well, by me anyway) as a replacement for the prescription drug dasatinib. Like dasatinib, theaflavins reduce senescent cells via different pathways than does quercetin, making the two a good combination. Below, Brave's response to a query about that:

Theaflavins, polyphenols derived from black tea, have demonstrated senolytic activity by inhibiting cellular receptors such as Eph, BRC-ABL, and BLC-2, which helps clear senescent cells from the body.

Preclinical studies indicate that theaflavins can inhibit the accumulation of senescence biomarkers and reduce the senescent cell burden.

Furthermore, research suggests that theaflavins may contribute to lifespan extension, as they have been associated with improved healthspan and longevity in animal models.

The combination of theaflavins with quercetin has been shown to enhance senolytic effects without the side effects associated with drugs like dasatinib.