Core principles of longevity have had a remarkable impact on health and wellness trends in recent years. The concept of trying to limit the wear and tear throughout life certainly isn’t new. But a paradigm shift is occurring that frames most health challenges in the context of age and health span.

Meanwhile, the prevalence and cost of chronic disease in the U.S. continues to grow, making the prospect of adding more life to one’s years, and not just more years to one’s life, especially compelling.

People are willing to pay premiums across the health and wellness sector in the pursuit of youth, drawing in significant investor attention. Last year, the gym chain Equinox launched a $40,000 yearly membership to its longevity program, which features personal training, nutrition plans, sleep coaching, and biomarker analysis in partnership with Function Health.

Outside of this partnership, Function Health has been making a splash in the longevity testing world, pocketing $53 million in a series B funding round backed by celebrity investors Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, and Kevin Hart. The beta version of the company’s $499-per-year membership-based platform provides users with real-time monitoring of over 100 lab tests, many of which aren’t provided in a healthcare setting, accompanied with insights from clinicians to help people track health factors over time.

There’s plenty of investment in longevity within the nutraceuticals sector as well. 

Contract developing and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Sirio Pharma launched the Sirio Institute for Anti-Aging (SIA) in March, with the goal of providing customers with “knowledge, resources, and support they need to bring truly groundbreaking anti-aging solutions to the market and gain a competitive edge.”

SIA will focus on biological mechanisms of cellular aging in four core areas: cellular health, probiotics and gut health, muscle health, and reproductive health.

“Our approach extends beyond merely delaying aging manifestations, aiming to identify and modulate the fundamental mechanisms of aging. We will conduct cutting-edge research into innovative bioactive ingredients, synergistic formulations, delivery and stability optimization protocols, and demonstrable consumer health benefits,” said Yu-Xuan Lyu, PhD, SIA head and researcher at the School of Medicine at Southern University of Science and Technology in China.

Bayer AG has launched a new “healthy aging ecosystem” for consumers, which allows users to track their health measures via a saliva-based biological age test by Chronomics via a companion app as they take the One A Day Age Factor Cell Defense Supplement, to go “beyond the pill” with holistic support and insights on personal progress over time. 

L’Oréal and Nestlé also recently made strategic investments in the Series D financing round of Timeline, a consumer health biotech company specializing in Mitopure, a Urolithin A ingredient shown to optimize mitochondrial function in topical and nutrition applications. “Longevity is about living healthier for longer, and L’Oréal has been working for a decade to understand and anticipate what this could mean for beauty,” said Barbara Lavernos, deputy CEO and research, innovation, and technology lead at L’Oréal. 

The Healthy Aging Market

Market researcher Euromonitor named longevity the top consumer trend of 2025, across all CPG categories.

“A new view of aging is on the rise. People don’t just want to live longer, they want to feel better for longer. And a majority of consumers (52%) believe they’ll be healthier in the next few years than they are now,” Euromonitor reported.

Consumers are exploring more niche options to tackle age-related concerns focused on conditions like cognitive health, hormonal changes, and joint mobility. For example, 34% of female consumers took supplements to prevent menopause symptoms in 2024, according to Euromonitor.

A look at sales trends of dietary supplements with anti-aging or cellular health claims tracked by SPINS shows that healthy aging and longevity claims are spreading into some adjacent categories including beauty, active nutrition, and more. In its 2025 CPG Outlook report, the company highlighted magnesium ($356 million, +31.6% CAGR), creatine ($80 million, +32.8%), turmeric ($528 million, +1.5%), quercetin ($13 million, +1.1%), collagen ($424 million, +0.8%), and vitamin K ($19 million, +47%) as standout performers.

The Draw for Gen Z

Younger consumers can be drawn into the healthy aging market by way of beauty from within, according to Sébastien Bornet, vice president of global sales and marketing at Horphag Research. Ingredients like Pycnogenol and Centellicum, a new collagen-modulating Centella asiatica extract, are receiving newfound attention for these applications.

“There is an untapped opportunity in targeting younger demographics, particularly Gen Z and aging Millennials,” said Bornet. “While most healthy aging products are marketed to consumers 55 and up, younger audiences are increasingly interested in preventative health strategies … Younger generations recognize that the earlier you start investing in your health, the greater the long-term benefits and impact will be.”

Skin health, in the context of aging, is ripe for innovation, concurred Rajat Shah, co-founder of Nutriventia. “Aging has a tremendous impact on the skin which is very perceivable and impacts other aspects of the individual’s life. Further, skin is dramatically impacted by lifestyle and the day-to-day pollution in our environment.”

Jordan Miller, vice president of marketing at Nutrition21, said that Lustriva, a patented complex of bonded arginine silicate and magnesium biotinate, offers beauty-from-within benefits by delivering unique forms of biotin and silicon. “Lustriva has been clinically shown to increase existing hair growth, support fuller, thicker-looking hair, reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines, and improve skin texture,” he said.

Ingredients like collagen, which offers skin and joint support benefits, can help draw in young consumers who then gravitate toward health attributes they might not have otherwise sought out or considered, noted Angie Rimel, marketing communications manager at Gelita.

The Pathways of Aging

Large-scale epidemiological research is demonstrating the role of nutrition in aging. For example, researchers at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health conducted an examination of multiple dietary patterns to determine how they’d impact multiple facets of aging in good health. Data came from 105,000 men and women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, with 30-year follow-up.

A total of 9,771 subjects (9.3% of participants) aged healthfully across all domains of cognitive, physical, and mental health. The leading healthy diet was the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, characterized by high amounts of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats, and low in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium, and refined grains.¹

Nutrition researchers are also looking at novel markers of biological and epigenetic age, and the interplay these markers have with immune function, brain health, musculoskeletal health, and other bodily systems.

While genetics play a critical role in health, new studies demonstrate the impact of personalization to turn back the hands of the biological clock.

In addition to foundational ingredients like vitamins, polyphenols, omega-3s, and curcumin, next-gen formulations will feature adaptogens and compounds that influence metabolic, immune, and other pathways, including CoQ10, astaxanthin, and NMN, said Danny Hofeditz, director of quality and product innovation at Aquanova. “From a formulation perspective, delivery systems that enhance bioavailability and absorption, such as micellization technology, will also be key in ensuring that these longevity ingredients provide real, sustained benefits” across newfound pathways.

“The supplements that remain popular will be those that are clinically proven to address the biological mechanisms of aging, rather than just managing isolated symptoms,” Bornet added.

Young at Heart

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death since 1950, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nitric oxide (NO) production, enhanced naturally through beets, leafy greens, and other foods in the diet, remains a key pathway of interest. Research continues to highlight how NO production, its effects, and efficacy are sensitive to age-related changes in cells.²

Supplement makers can look for ways to enhance the activity of L-citrulline, an amino acid involved in NO production, through synergistic ingredients.

Kyowa Hakko has recently been shining a light on how a novel combination, glutathione and citrulline, offers synergistic effects to improve cardiovascular health, noted Maria Stanieich, marketing manager of Kyowa Hakko USA. A 2023 study found that, in 40 postmenopausal women, the combination improved blood flow and reduced systolic blood pressure more than placebo or citrulline alone, enhancing endothelial function and lowering cardiovascular risk during physiological stress. A second study that same year found the combination was associated with improved blood flow and reduced systolic blood pressure in 25 healthy men.^3-4

“Any supplement that supports the nitric oxide pathway is one that is relevant to adults of all ages, men and women,” said Annie Eng, founder and CEO of HP Ingredients. “The L-arginine nitric oxide pathway degrades with age, and this slowdown plays significant roles in cardiovascular function, and kidney, skin, thyroid, and immune health. Reduced nitric oxide is a cause of endothelial dysfunction, which impacts cardiovascular function.”

Eng noted that HP Ingredients’ N.O.Max, a blend of BPF Gold Citrus bergamia Risso extract and L-citrulline appeared to further potentiate the benefits of citrulline supplementation.

Nitric oxide is a key focus of research for PLT Health Solutions’ MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract, noted Steve Fink, vice president of marketing. Across nine clinical studies, the polyphenol-rich extract has been linked to healthy blood pressure reductions (in healthy participants and those with metabolic syndrome), normal arterial function, and endurance in exercise settings by activating the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway to produce nitric oxide. “Vascular health is a major but underappreciated factor in longevity. MegaNatural-BP offers a unique opportunity to support endothelial function and healthy blood pressure levels in a way that complements other longevity-focused formulations,” he said.

Endothelial function is shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk.

“Research has shown that CoQ10 levels decline in body organs with age, peaking in early adulthood before a consistent decline. Studies show that ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form of CoQ10, reduces cardiovascular risk, protects endothelial health and circulation, assists with lipid metabolism, and decreases inflammatory processes and oxidative stress,” said Sid Shastri, director of research at Kaneka Nutrients.^5-6

Staying Sharp

Studies that show long-term use of a supplement can result in lasting effects on brain aging, rather than just on immediate cognitive function, are especially compelling for this segment.

“Last year at the American Society for Nutrition’s (ASN) conference, we presented new research demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of our branded citicoline, Cognizin,” said Stanieich. “The study revealed its potential to enhance cognitive function and support healthy brain aging, offering a compelling case for consumers to consider cognitive health beyond the day-to-day. We now understand at the genetic level how citicoline delivers its benefits, suggesting even greater implications for long-term brain health.”

Simo Echchafai, senior vice president of human ingredients for North America at Aker BioMarine noted a study, published in Aging, that explored the potential of Superba Krill oil to slow down the aging process. “Using both nematode worms and human cells, researchers found that krill oil helps counteract cellular and biological processes linked to aging. Notably, nematodes that received Superba Boost krill oil retained more nerve cells in the brain as they aged, leading to better memory, neuromuscular function, and overall activity levels.”⁷

The relationship between the brain’s immune system and long-term health is one of the most under-explored areas in longevity research, according to Hofeditz. “Unlike the rest of the body, the brain’s immune system, primarily driven by microglia, plays a critical role in maintaining brain health by clearing debris, fighting infections, and regulating inflammation. However, as we age, microglia can become overactivated, leading to neuroinflammation,” he said.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability increases with age, allowing toxins and inflammatory molecules to exacerbate neuroinflammation, Hofeditz noted. “The supplement industry has a significant opportunity to develop targeted interventions that support both neuro-immune balance and BBB function, using enhanced delivery systems like micellized formulations of ingredients such as curcumin and resveratrol to improve bioavailability and ensure their neuroprotective effects.”

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is another important marker to study, “as it is an essential protein necessary for maintaining normal neuronal function and is linked to improved memory, learning, and cognitive abilities,” said Maggie McNamara, marketing director at Gencor. In a study on college students, supplementation with Levagen+ PEA increased serum BDNF levels compared to placebo, with subsequent improvements in memory in the Cognition Function Assessments (CANTAB) test.

The cognitive health category has long positioned short-term, performance-driven formulas for younger consumers, and long-term protection and memory formulas for adults. But these days, consumers of all ages want performance benefits, and protection for years to come.

“Cognitive aging studies are continuing to evolve, with Nutricog demonstrating improvements in memory and executive function, bridging the gap between brain performance and long-term cognitive resilience,” said Fink. Research has shown the complex of Haritaki and Boswellia impacts domains of learning and memory, including attention, working memory, and decision making in 100 healthy men and women between the ages of 40 and 65, over a period of 120 days. Those who took Nutricog saw broad-ranging cognitive support, improving in measures of verbal and visual episodic memory, learning rate, focus, and immediate recall in the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.

Immunosenescence

Since the 1980s, the concept of immunosenescence, or functional aging of the immune system, has been a highlight of longevity research.

Cases of accelerated aging can be attributable to changes in immune cells, Eng said, noting to a review published last year that suggested “as the immune function of the body weakens, aging cells and inflammatory factors cannot be cleared, resulting in a cycle of increased inflammation that accumulates over time,” cumulatively increasing the likelihood of Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and other age-related diseases.⁸

Further, age-related downturn in immune function can contribute to cancers, infections, and cardiovascular diseases, due to tissue-damaging inflammation, said Shah.

Big Bold Health, founded by Jeffrey Bland, recently conducted a clinical study that investigated how a polyphenol-rich ancient seed called Tartary buckwheat could act on biological pathways to attenuate signs of epigenetic aging. Fifty healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 85 consumed a polyphenol-rich Tartary buckwheat concentrate daily for 90 days.

In a subgroup of participants with signs of advanced aging, there was a 47% reduction in the speed of these aging markers. The study also found a population-wide 22-fold increase in activity of the ceramide kinase (CERK) gene pathway, which is associated with age-related changes in immune function.

“We’ve long thought of polyphenols and other plant nutrients as only significant for their antioxidant capacity. This work indicates that there’s an entire world of fascinating pathways to discover,” said Austin Perlmutter, MD, managing director, science and R&D, Big Bold Health.⁹

Overall homeostasis is the key defining factor of a youthful immune profile, noted Fink. The company’s Spectrammune, an ashwagandha and haritaki complex, has been linked to markers of innate immunity like white blood cell and NK cell count, along with adaptive immunity like IgG and CD4+ cells. These factors were associated with reduced incidence of acute respiratory illnesses in clinical studies, along with self-reported measures of improved overall quality of life.

“By targeting immune homeostasis and reducing excessive inflammatory signaling, Spectrammune aligns with the industry’s shift toward proactive immune health for longevity,” said Fink. “Polyphenols, beta-glucans, and postbiotics are also gaining traction for their role in maintaining immune resilience, especially when combined with solutions like Spectrammune that can help recalibrate the immune system as it ages.”

Long-term support, rather than differences achieved with a one-off common cold infection, could be more valuable for tying immune support claims into a healthy aging context.

“In a recent clinical study, healthy adults took daily doses of Setria Glutathione, and after six months …  reductions in oxidative stress were observed across both dosage groups,” Stanieich noted. “The findings also suggest that daily supplementation with Setria can improve immune health by increasing glutathione levels essential for optimal lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) cell function, each key players in the immune response. Notably, after three months, NK cell cytotoxicity doubled compared to placebo in participants consuming high doses of Setria Glutathione.”

Tongkat Ali also appears to have the potential to mitigate immunosenescence, Eng said. In a clinical study, 81 people with lower Scoring of Immunological Vigor (SIV) took a placebo or 200 mg of LJ100 daily for four weeks. At week four, those in the treatment group had higher SIV grades, with results suggesting improved adaptive immunity and a four-year average reduction in immunological age.¹⁰

Declines in immune function can accelerate the aging process itself, and mitochondria tell the story, said Shastri. “Scientists have demonstrated that mitochondria regulate expression of certain genes, including those involved in the immune response. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) produced at complexes I and III of the electron transport chain act as signaling molecules that regulate immune responses. Further amplifying the effects of elevated mtROS is the accumulation of oxidative stress during aging, which further damages immune cells and accelerates immunosenescence.”¹¹

Look to the Gut

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating immune responses, said Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director at Sabinsa. “With aging, the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome can change, leading to immune system dysregulation.”

The gut microbiome is also linked to long-term changes in cognition, mood, skin health, and more. For example, a clinical trial found that a controlled supplementation program which involved Sabinsa’s LactoSpore probiotic was associated with improvements in several health challenges. Subjects on the supplement protocol saw significant weight loss and reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, along with an increase in testosterone levels in the male participants.¹²

Biohm Technologies, a microbiome research company, recently launched a new longevity gut test functionality within its gut microbiome test kits. This feature uses AI and the user’s bioinformatic information to generate how an individual’s gut microbiome may influence the aging process.

The company identified key bacterial and fungal taxa thought to contribute to longevity, and through machine learning and deep learning techniques trained on more than 10 million data points, created a model that identifies about 100 key taxa involved in aging.

“Some of these organisms are linked to beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and butyrate, which are known to support gut health … We’re finding that there’s limited research existing on some of the biomarkers that we’ve identified, so we’re following up with our own assays to validate in vitro what we’re seeing in the data. The bioinformatics team at Biohm Technologies has developed an advanced AI deep learning architecture leveraging our proprietary gut microbiome dataset to provide a more robust understanding of the main factors driving healthy aging with respect to gut microbiome balance,” said Sam Schatz, CEO of Biohm Technologies.

What makes the gut such an integral part of the aging puzzle?

“The diversity of the gut microbiome dramatically changes from birth throughout life,” said Schatz. While the microbiome remains relatively stable throughout adulthood, microbial diversity tends to decline with age, often “leading to an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria and a decrease in beneficial species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.” This is followed by gut dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, and inflammation, which are risk factors in heart disease, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and weakened immunity, said Schatz.¹³

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation pose constant threats to the body, and the concept of inflammaging is becoming more well-known. Specialty antioxidants and other ingredients that are particularly difficult to acquire through diet alone perform well in this category, especially if they are well-researched. 

“Resveratrol, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and curcuminoids, among others, are thought to slow aging and support good overall health,” said Majeed. “Studies have found conclusive evidence that free radicals are involved in processes such as inflammation, a central piece of the puzzle related to most chronic health conditions … Among the antioxidants, three outstanding Sabinsa products include SaBeet, Saberry, and C3 Reduct, which all have diverse modes of action. While SaBeet boosts Betalins as the active principle, C3 Reduct contains the major reductive metabolite of curcumin. Saberry, from the Indian superfruit amla, is obtained as a juice concentrate without any solvents and has remarkable protective properties of endothelial cells.”

Glutathione also stands out as a potent antioxidant, said Stanieich. “Studies show how it helps support the body’s natural detoxification process, fortifies immune function, and promotes radiant skin by combating oxidative stress, all vital for healthy aging,” and protecting against environmental stressors that accelerate aging.

Studies on HP Ingredients’ ParActin Andrographis paniculata extract found that supplementation can significantly inhibit NF-kB, a key regulator of immune and inflammatory processes. Downstream of this effect is a reduction in cytokines and proteins associated with pain and inflammation, such as COX2, prostaglandins, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-a, said Eng. By activating a pathway known as ARE, the ingredient’s active compound, andrographolide, also increases endogenous production of the antioxidants glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, among others. Meanwhile, the company’s Bergamonte bergamot extract, rich in polyphenols, may act as an activator of SIRT1, which inhibits NF-kB signaling, per in vitro research.

Musculoskeletal Health

“It makes sense that the market would have a focus on mobility and the musculoskeletal system as a priority since these are the areas that see the first impact on account of aging,” said Shah.

According to consumer research from Nutrition21, aches and pains are one of the top triggers for consumers to take steps toward healthy aging, but lasting trust will be required among this population, which may have experienced dissatisfaction with supplements in the past due to lack of efficacy.

Joint discomfort solutions will have staying power in the longevity category, as mobility is crucial for the maintenance of overall health, said McNamara. “Most people understand that staying active and being social plays a significant role in longevity and impacts overall health and well-being.”

“Supporting joint health can preserve independence, enable physical activity for a healthy waistline, and contribute to overall well-being, making it a key area with cross-generational appeal,” said Shelby Linville, associate director of global product marketing at Lonza Capsules and Health Ingredients. “Studies show that 62% of Millennials are interested in joint health products. Meanwhile, 93% of Baby Boomers are looking to improve their general wellness, and joint health is a key area of focus.” 

While Millennials are looking for protection and resilience to stressors, Boomers need everyday support for mobility, inflammation reduction, and overall joint function, Linville said. Overall, younger consumers are nearly as interested as their older counterparts in joint health support, per the company’s proprietary research. “A significant 81% of younger adults expressed concerns about potential future joint pain and discomfort, while 70% are concerned about reduced mobility.” So, for Lonza, it was important to validate the long-term mobility and joint function of its UC-II undenatured type II collagen in both young adults and seniors, Linville noted.

A 2022 study in Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that krill oil significantly enhances muscle function and size in adults over 60, said Echchafai. Additionally, research published the same year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that krill oil alleviates knee pain, stiffness, and mobility issues in adults aged 40 to 65 with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.^14-15

Strengthera, a complex of Mangifera indica bark and Sphaeranthus indicus flower from PLT Health Solutions, was found in a clinical study to improve measures of muscle strength, such as grip strength, muscle endurance in 1RM repetitions to failure and leg extension tests, walking capacity, and lean mass, in healthy men and women between the ages of 55 and 70.

Shawn Baier, vice president of business development at TSI Group Ltd., noted that while certain sub-categories like joint health or heart health only speak to a portion of consumers, “Age-related muscle loss is a universal issue, affecting 100% of the population. Building and maintaining muscle health is critical to everyone’s quality of life as we age … myHMB is experiencing a strong global surge in interest because of its proven muscle health benefits.”

Despite U.S. consumers’ prioritization of protein for years, they often don’t see significant changes in muscle health, size, or function as a result of age-related metabolism changes, warranting additional support.

“HMB stimulates protein synthesis while simultaneously reducing protein breakdown,” said Baier. “Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that in older adults, most optimally when combined with vitamin D. Product lines that contain protein plus HMB and vitamin D open a huge market opportunity.”

Older adults also fare better by returning to activity as soon as possible after sidelined by a health challenge, Baier noted. Supplementation with myHMB and vitamin D “has been shown to support muscle health even without exercise. Additionally, HMB has been shown to improve immune markers of inflammation in patients with diagnosed sarcopenia, thus showing the close relationship between muscle health and general health, including immune function.”

As a result of all these emerging findings, research on HMB is progressing past core sports nutrition benefits toward potential in aging populations, Baier said. “Everything we do in our lives involves our muscles. Allowing them to gradually diminish jeopardizes our ability to live life on our terms.”

When it comes to suitable protein add-ons, Nutrition21’s Velositol, a patented complex of chromium and amylopectin, has been evidenced to enhance muscle protein synthesis after a single dose more than protein alone, Miller noted.

Real-world settings can add value to research, noted McNamara. For instance, Gencor has undertaken a three-year pilot case study with the Gloucester Rugby Team to showcase the long-term, inflammatory-modulating potential of its HydroCurc curcumin and Levagen+ PEA ingredients in athletes, who have critical need for joint health and inflammatory support.

Similarly, advanced, low-dose formulation technologies that can enhance the effects of ingredients will be important to confer the experiential benefits needed in this space, noted Shah. “TurmXTRA 60N supports joint and muscle health with a clinically validated once-daily dose of 250 mg, offering superior bioavailability without synthetic excipients or piperine … These innovations address key challenges like absorption and prolonged therapeutic effect, making them more effective and consumer-friendly,” said Shah.

‘Biohacking’ and Cellular Health

There’s increasing interest in tracking markers of healthy aging at the cellular or genetic level, as part of the “biohacking” phenomenon.

Euromonitor reported that the number of online SKUs with product claims related to NAD+, a coenzyme involved in DNA production, DNA repair, and cellular metabolism, has tripled since 2023. Similarly, online launches of brands with cellular health claims grew 135% in the vitamins and supplements category between Q1 and Q2 2024 across 32 countries, the market research firm noted.

“There seems to be generational differences, with the concept of ‘biohacking’ popular with younger consumers, an increasing portion of our industry’s growth,” said Majeed. “While there is overlap between biohacking and longevity supplements, biohacking supplements are more geared toward short-term optimization of physical, mental, and cognitive performance, whereas longevity supplements focus on preventing age-related diseases, supporting long-term health, and extending the lifespan.”

Consumers want tangible results, noted Baier. “They’re no longer satisfied with being told something works unless they can verify the benefit. This is especially true of biohackers, who may be willing to spend more for premium products and ingredients. There is built-in value to those ingredients with results that can be experienced.”

Longevity researchers are also investigating telomere length as a key marker of aging. These repetitive DNA sequences located at the end of chromosomes act as protective buffers, gradually shortening with each round of cell division, noted Majeed. “This progressive depletion has been linked to various age-related diseases, as shortened telomeres can impair cellular function and increase the risk of age-associated conditions.”

Mitochondria are also a critical component of aging science, noted Shastri. “There has been a paradigm shift in longevity science, moving from antioxidant-focused strategies to mitochondrial bioenergetics as the primary therapeutic target. As healthy aging is deeply dependent on mitochondrial support across bioenergetically-demanding systems — including cardiovascular function, endothelial function, neurological function, visual function, and muscle function — the importance of mitochondrial nutrients is unequivocal.”

“Ubiquinol (a reduced form of CoQ10) is the most indispensable mitochondrial nutrient, because it is directly involved in the synthesis of energy within the electron transport chain,” he added. “Other mitochondrial nutrients that will partner well with ubiquinol for longevity applications include NMN, urolithin A, resveratrol, nicotinamide riboside, NAD, and alpha GPC.”

Kaneka scientists found that ubiquinol upregulates the SIRT1 and PGC-1a proteins enhancing mitochondrial activity. The SIRT1 and PGC-1a pathway are also activated upon by key longevity nutrients like NMN and resveratrol, Shastri noted.

According to Hofeditz, younger, tech-savvy consumers are more likely to look into bioavailability and absorption technologies. “Absorption is the movement of drug or nutrient from the site of drug administration to systemic circulation. Bioavailability is the extent to which absorption occurs. In other words, bioavailability is the fraction of the administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation in unchanged form. A drug or nutrient may be well-absorbed, but if it is rapidly metabolized, for example, by the liver, the bioavailability may still be low and virtually have no or very little effect.”

Technologies such as Aquanova’s NovaSOL allows for low-dose options that can overcome tolerability issues. For example, the company recently jointly developed a micellar resveratrol product with Jupiter Neurosciences to mitigate the common side effects of high-dose resveratrol supplementation.

Organic food matrices also stand out for their inherent bioavailability. Superba Krill oil is an ideal solution for healthy aging as it supports well-being from the cellular level, said Echchafai. “The foundation of healthy aging lies in maintaining optimal cellular health, which means ensuring that our body’s cells function at their best. Since overall well-being depends on how efficiently our cells operate, whether by receiving essential nutrients or defending against internal and external stressors, keeping them in top condition is crucial. When cells are compromised, it can weaken tissues and organs, increasing the risk of illness and disease.”

While biomarker-linked products present appeal to some, Miller noted that “even if a consumer sees an improvement on a biomarker at-home test but doesn’t see, feel, or notice any physical improvement, they may end up not being satisfied with the product.” 

References

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15. Stonehouse W et al (2023) Krill oil improved osteoarthritic knee pain in adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 116(3)672-685. Doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac125