Vitamin IV drips, mitochondrial supplements, "anti-aging" dietary supplements, peptide injections, and health-tracking smart devices do not guarantee a longer lifespan, according to preventive medicine physicians Dr. Hugh Coyne, Dr. Mohammed Enayat, and Dr. Mika Engel in an interview with Marie Claire.
According to the experts, one of the most controversial categories of longevity products includes supplements designed to boost NAD+ levels, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These compounds are widely marketed as ways to slow aging, improve mitochondrial function, and increase energy levels. However, clinical studies have not yet demonstrated that they can extend human lifespan or significantly slow the aging process.
The physicians also urged caution regarding the growing market for "anti-aging" dietary supplements. Many of these products contain ingredients such as resveratrol, spermidine, quercetin, and high-dose collagen. While laboratory studies have produced promising results, there is currently no convincing clinical evidence that these supplements prolong human life.
The experts also highlighted intravenous vitamin infusions, which are often promoted as treatments for detoxification, energy restoration, and rejuvenation. In people without vitamin deficiencies, their benefits have not been proven, while the procedure itself carries risks, including infections and other complications.
They also warned about the use of certain peptide injections that have become popular in the biohacking community. These include BPC-157, which is marketed as a tissue-healing agent, CJC-1295 and ipamorelin, which stimulate growth hormone production, and epitalon, which is claimed to have anti-aging properties. According to the physicians, robust clinical evidence supporting these claims is lacking.
The experts further cautioned against excessive reliance on health-monitoring gadgets. Smartwatches, smart rings, fitness trackers, and continuous glucose monitors used by otherwise healthy individuals can provide useful physiological data, but they do not improve health on their own and may contribute to unnecessary anxiety and obsessive self-monitoring.
"The biggest mistake is believing that longevity can be bought online," said Dr. Hugh Coyne.
According to the physicians, no supplement or expensive procedure can compensate for insufficient sleep, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, or smoking.
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