Longevity

What is longevity?

Longevity literally means ‘long life’, but the modern interpretation goes further. It is about healthspan: the number of years you spend in good health. Researchers look at the processes that drive ageing and whether you can slow them down. Your cells are central to this. As you get older, certain compounds in your body change and cellular processes work less efficiently. One example is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule that plays a role in energy production and DNA repair. Around the age of 50, the NAD+ level is on average about half of what it was at 20.

NAD+ and ageing

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell. In research it is linked to, among other things:

• Energy metabolism: NAD+ plays a role in the mitochondria, the power stations of the cell
• DNA repair: enzymes that repair DNA damage use NAD+
• Sirtuins: these ‘longevity proteins’ need NAD+ to function
• Cellular signals: NAD+ is involved in communication between cells

Your body produces NAD+ itself, but that production changes over the years. NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) are building blocks the body can convert into NAD+.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

Nicotinamide riboside is a form of vitamin B3. Studies have looked at the effect of NR on NAD+ levels in the blood; it is one of the more researched NAD+ precursors and is well tolerated.

Methylation and TMG

Alongside NAD+, methylation comes up in longevity research. Methylation is a biochemical process in which methyl groups are transferred to DNA, proteins and other molecules. This process is involved in, among other things:

• Gene expression: methylation influences which genes are switched on or off
• Liver metabolism: the liver uses methylation when breaking down compounds
• Neurotransmitters: involved in the production of serotonin and dopamine, among others
• Homocysteine: methylation plays a role in converting homocysteine into methionine

TMG (trimethylglycine)

TMG, also known as betaine, is a methyl donor: it provides methyl groups that the body uses for countless processes. Converting NR into NAD+ uses up methyl groups, which is why NR and TMG appear together in many longevity protocols.

Sirtuin activators and senolytics

Alongside NAD+ and methylation, longevity research looks at other routes as well. Sirtuin activators are compounds linked to the longevity proteins; senolytics are compounds being researched for their role in clearing out aged cells.

Trans-resveratrol

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that became known through research into red wine. The trans form is the biologically active variant. In laboratory research, resveratrol is linked to the activation of sirtuins (particularly SIRT1) and it is often studied together with NAD+ precursors.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that occurs naturally in onions, apples and berries, among others. In longevity research, quercetin is studied for its senolytic properties: its possible role in clearing out aged (senescent) cells.

Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid from plants such as Berberis. In research, berberine is linked to AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), an enzyme that plays a central role in energy metabolism. AMPK is also one of the routes studied in relation to calorie restriction.

Shilajit

Shilajit is a resinous substance from the Himalayas, naturally rich in fulvic acid, humic acid and more than 84 minerals. It falls outside the NAD+ and sirtuin routes above: shilajit has no mechanism that ties into those, but it does have a centuries-old tradition within ayurveda and has attracted a lot of interest in recent years. We carry pure Himalayan shilajit from the Dutch brand Shilafit, as resin, capsules and honey sachets.

Our longevity supplements

At Dutch Balance we select longevity supplements on scientific grounding and quality: Pure: no unnecessary fillers or additives. Only the active ingredient in a meaningful dose. Grounded: we choose compounds and doses that recur in scientific research. GMP: produced to GMP guidelines for consistent quality and purity.

Frequently asked questions about longevity

What does longevity mean?

Longevity means ‘long life’. In the context of health and supplements it refers to the field around ageing well: not only living longer, but staying vital for longer.

What are NAD+ precursors?

NAD+ precursors are building blocks the body can convert into NAD+, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR). NAD+ is a coenzyme that plays a role in energy metabolism and in DNA repair; its production changes over the years.

Can I combine NR and TMG?

When converting NR into NAD+, the body uses methyl groups. TMG is a methyl donor that supplies those groups. That is why NR and TMG appear together in many longevity protocols.

Are these supplements safe?

Nicotinamide riboside and TMG have shown a good safety profile in research. As with all supplements: stick to the recommended dose. Do you take medication, are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Then consult a doctor first.

Not found what you are looking for?

Also have a look at shilajit, adaptogens or vitamins and minerals. Would you like the science behind it? Read longevity: the science of ageing well. Is your question not here? Ask it through customer service.