Can a supplement slow ageing?

This page does not promise a longer life or recommend an anti-ageing regimen.

Studies of ageing can measure lifespan, disease risk, physical function, memory, symptoms or laboratory markers. These are different outcomes. A change in a marker does not prove a longer or healthier life. Emerging compounds need evidence directly relevant to people.12

On this page
  1. Biomarker is not destiny
  2. Short studies have limits
  3. The broader context
  4. NMN
  5. Urolithin A
  6. Physical activity
  7. Reading ageing evidence
  8. Vision and ageing
  9. Epitalon and melatonin
  10. Sources
Follow this question
Healthy ageing Choose a step to explore this subject in more detail.
  1. 1Biomarker is not destiny
  2. 2Short studies have limits
  3. 3The broader context
  4. 4NMN

Biomarker is not destiny

A biological marker is something researchers can measure in the body. A change can be interesting without showing that someone will live longer or remain independent. Ask whether the study measured an outcome that matters to people.12

Short studies have limits

Many studies of emerging compounds are small or short. They can help researchers understand biology and safety without answering whether benefits last. See what MOTS-c does and does not establish in people and what an SS-31 study measured.12

The broader context

The World Health Organization and CDC describe a healthy diet and physical activity as broad foundations for health. That does not make every lifestyle claim a guarantee.12

NMN

Human studies of biological markers and short-term outcomes do not establish longer life. Read the NMN evidence.

Urolithin A

Claims about muscle and mitochondria need evidence for the particular product and outcome. Read urolithin A.

Physical activity

Function, mobility and independence are outcomes people can recognise. Explore physical activity and muscle.

Reading ageing evidence

For long-term claims, check how long people were followed and what uncertainty remains. Read how to read a result.

Vision and ageing

Age-related macular degeneration is one example where a specific combination was studied for a particular eye condition and stage, rather than for ageing in general. Explore what AREDS and AREDS2 found and what the results do not show.3

Epitalon and melatonin

The peptide, an older extract and the sleep-timing hormone are different substances. Understand epitalon, melatonin and sleep. See what the telomere experiments and the 15-year study actually tested.45

Sources, kept close.

Selected supporting sources; this is not a complete literature review.

  1. Healthy dietWorld Health Organization · public-health guidanceAccess checked 2026-11-05 · Source date: 2026-01-26 · Population guidance; it does not test individual supplements or establish a personal diet.
  2. Health Benefits of Physical Activity for AdultsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention · public-health guidanceAccess checked 2026-11-05 · Source date: 2026-03-10 · General population guidance; it does not establish the effect of a particular supplement or provide individual medical advice.
  3. AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trialsNational Eye Institute · US government trial overview and formulation table, updated 22 October 2025Access checked 2026-11-05 · Summarizes specific products and disease stages; recommendations may differ by jurisdiction.
  4. Epitalon and Epithalamin: a narrative reviewPubMed · Peer-reviewed narrative reviewAccessed 2026-11-03
  5. Melatonin: What You Need To KnowNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health · Official evidence and safety summary; United StatesAccessed 2026-11-04

The next useful question.

Health interest

Muscle & exercise

Connect protein, creatine, training and function without treating a label claim as a performance result.

2 min read
Research guide

How to read a result.

Keep the outcome, the denominator, the time period and the uncertainty together.

7 min read