In this thought-provoking episode of Optispan,  Dr. Alex and Dr. Jan from YEARS Healthspan Clinic in Berlin, take a hard look at the booming anti-aging supplement industry. Despite the promises plastered across ads and influencer campaigns, they explain why most of these products don’t live up to their claims — and what science actually tells us about slowing down aging at the cellular level.

Key Points:

Most anti-aging supplements lack solid evidence and rely on hype rather than science. Real longevity comes from lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, and physical activity. Personalized, evidence-based approaches are the true path to healthy aging and vitality.

• The Supplement Myth: Most anti-aging supplements are marketed with exaggerated claims unsupported by rigorous science. Dr. Alex notes that the majority of studies cited are either animal-based or poorly designed human trials.
• The Placebo Problem: Dr. Jan explains that many users feel short-term “benefits” due to placebo effects or improved lifestyle habits they adopt alongside taking supplements — not because the pills themselves work.
• NAD+ and Resveratrol — Hype vs. Reality: While compounds like NAD+ boosters and resveratrol are popular, human evidence for longevity benefits remains weak. The doctors emphasize that dosage, bioavailability, and long-term safety are still unclear.
• Mitochondrial Health Matters More: Instead of chasing miracle molecules, improving mitochondrial function through regular exercise, good sleep, and metabolic balance has stronger evidence for slowing biological aging.
• Lifestyle Outperforms Supplements: Nutrition, intermittent fasting, movement, and stress reduction activate the body’s longevity pathways far more effectively than any over-the-counter capsule.
• Why the Market Thrives: The anti-aging industry thrives on fear of aging and scientific jargon, which makes marketing appear credible even when studies are misrepresented or preliminary.
• The Role of Personalized Medicine: Dr. Alex stresses that interventions should be data-driven and personalized, using biomarkers and biological age testing to guide decisions rather than relying on one-size-fits-all products.
• A Call for Evidence-Based Longevity: Both doctors advocate shifting focus from “anti-aging hacks” to scientifically validated longevity strategies, integrating preventive healthcare, real nutrition, and consistent movement.