How Effective Are Longevity Drugs? - Andrew Huberman

Summary

This discussion dives into the world of longevity supplements, focusing on compounds like rapamycin, NMN, NR, and berberine. Dr. Andrew Huberman highlights the benefits, limitations, and personal experiences with these supplements, mentioning how they affect energy, hair, and nail growth rather than life extension. He also touches on practices like caloric restriction, red light therapy, stress management, and moderate exercise for healthy aging. The conversation emphasizes balancing longevity with maintaining vigor, joy, and quality of life, rather than pursuing extreme longevity at the expense of well-being.

Takeaways

• 💊 **Longevity and Supplements:** The conversation revolves around the evolving landscape of longevity drugs, such as rapamycin, NMN, and NR, as well as personal experiences and research on their effects.
• 🧬 **MTOR and Rapamycin:** Rapamycin targets mTOR, which regulates cell growth and aging. While it's shown to extend lifespan in animals, it comes with trade-offs, such as weakened immune systems and reduced physical vigor.
• 🥣 **Caloric Restriction:** Reducing caloric intake can extend lifespan, but it may lead to physical weakness, reduced fertility, and less overall joy in life.
• 🧪 **NMN and NR for Energy:** The speaker uses NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) for increased morning energy and faster hair and nail growth, but does not expect it to extend lifespan. NMN is a precursor to NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) is a precursor to NMN.
• 🚫 **FDA and NMN:** NMN has faced scrutiny from the FDA after it was classified as a drug in clinical trials, but it is still available for purchase online.
• ⚖️ **Trade-offs in Longevity Drugs:** The speaker avoids supplements like metformin, berberine, and rapamycin due to their potential negative side effects, including blood sugar crashes and headaches.
• 🌞 **Red Light Therapy:** The speaker endorses red light therapy for mitochondrial health and eye health, especially in the morning, based on research from Glenn Jeffrey’s lab.
• 🏋️ **Moderation in Exercise:** The speaker emphasizes that ultra-endurance athletes may experience negative effects on aging, while moderate exercise combined with strength training may provide the best long-term results.
• 👨‍🔬 **Anecdotal Longevity:** The speaker references the long life of his father, who focused on consistent, moderate exercise, mental stimulation, and work-life balance.
• 🏊 **Human Spirit and Extreme Feats:** Inspirational stories are shared about ultra-endurance athletes like Ross Edgley, who swam 300 miles non-stop, showcasing the limits of human endurance.

Q & A

What is rapamycin and how does it relate to longevity?

Rapamycin is a drug that targets mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin), a receptor involved in cell growth and aging. Studies show that targeting mTOR can extend lifespan in animals by mimicking the effects of fasting, but it can also reduce physical strength and energy.

Why doesn't the speaker take rapamycin or metformin?

The speaker doesn't take rapamycin due to the lack of sufficient human data and because they prioritize living with vigor rather than extending life to extreme ages. They also avoid metformin and berberine due to the risk of hypoglycemia and personal side effects.

What benefits has the speaker experienced from taking NMN?

The speaker has experienced faster hair and nail growth, as well as increased morning energy, from taking sublingual NMN. However, they don't take NMN for longevity purposes, but for these personal benefits.

How does NR compare to NMN in terms of longevity benefits?

NR (nicotinamide riboside) is a precursor to NMN, and some experts believe NR is more effective at converting to NAD in cells. However, the speaker has found NMN to be more beneficial for them personally, while NR did not have noticeable effects.

Why was NMN initially restricted by the FDA, and can it still be purchased?

NMN was restricted by the FDA when David Sinclair's company began evaluating it as a drug in clinical trials. Despite this, NMN can still be purchased as a supplement from various retailers, as the FDA hasn't clamped down on it significantly.

What are the trade-offs of caloric restriction for longevity?

While caloric restriction can extend lifespan, it can also lead to reduced energy, lower libido, and decreased physical strength. The speaker emphasizes that it’s a balance between extending life and maintaining quality of life.

What are the speaker’s thoughts on extreme endurance athletes and longevity?

The speaker believes that while endurance athletes are healthier than sedentary individuals, extreme endurance training can lead to stress and aging. They suggest that a balanced approach to exercise, like that of sprinters and gymnasts, might be more beneficial for aging well.

How does red light therapy contribute to longevity?

Red light therapy is thought to improve mitochondrial health and may help offset age-related vision decline. The speaker references research supporting its benefits for vision and overall health, especially when used in the morning.

What does the speaker suggest is essential for living a long, healthy life?

The speaker suggests avoiding head injuries, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and having a joyful life as key factors for longevity. They emphasize that moderation in exercise and a balanced lifestyle are also important.

What example of longevity inspires the speaker?

The speaker is inspired by a 98-year-old man who can still perform physical feats like pull-ups and gymnastic moves. Despite showing signs of aging in appearance, his strength and flexibility suggest a high level of physical resilience in old age.