The Physiology of Aging and the importance of nutrition and longevity supplements

From DR. DIMITRIOS SAMARAS (President of Nooria Scientific Advisory Board)
published in March 2025

Aging is a natural process that affects every cell, tissue, and organ in our body. Over time, our biological systems become less efficient, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. However, recent scientific advances suggest that aging is not just an unavoidable decline but a process that can be influenced by lifestyle choices, particularly nutrition and certain nutraceuticals (bioactive compounds with health benefits). This means, that there should be a definite interest for quality supplements that could serve this specific role, as opposed to a simple supplementation with daily vitamins.

What Happens to Our Body as We Age?

Aging is driven by several interconnected biological mechanisms, often called the “hallmarks of aging” (López-Otín et al.). Some key ones include:

Cellular Damage & DNA Instability:
– Over time, DNA accumulates damage from environmental factors (pollution, UV radiation) and internal processes (oxidative stress).
– This can lead to mutations, reduced cell function, and a higher risk of diseases like cancer.

Telomere Shortening:
– Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.
– When telomeres become too short, cells stop dividing, leading to tissue dysfunction and aging.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
– Mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, become less efficient with age, leading to decreased energy production and increased oxidative stress.

Senescent Cells (“Zombie Cells”):
– Some damaged cells stop functioning properly but refuse to die.
– These cells release inflammatory molecules that damage surrounding healthy tissues.

Chronic Inflammation (“Inflammaging”):
– Low-grade, persistent inflammation is common in aging and contributes to most age-related diseases.
– It is often triggered by poor diet, stress, and accumulation of senescent cells.

Loss of Stem Cell Function:
– Stem cells are essential for tissue repair, but their numbers and activity decline with age, leading to slower healing and regeneration.

Intermittent Fasting (IF):
– Alternating periods of eating and fasting (e.g., 16:8 or 5:2 methods) promotes autophagy, a process that clears damaged cells and proteins. The timing of the fasting period plays an immense role as fasting throughout the day and eating in the evening has been shown to be counterproductive.
– IF has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and brain function (Patterson and Sears).

Balanced Macronutrients:
– Protein: Moderate intake is ideal; excessive consumption, especially from animal sources, may accelerate aging through increased IGF-1 signaling.
– Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, flaxseeds) reduce inflammation and support brain health.
– Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables provide fiber, which supports gut health and reduces inflammation.

Nutrients for longevity:

Nutraceuticals are bioactive compounds that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition and therefore may act as anti-aging supplements. Some of the most promising natural supplements in aging research include:

Resveratrol
– Found in red wine, grapes, and berries.
– Activates sirtuins (longevity-related proteins) and mimics some effects of caloric restriction.
– May improve cardiovascular health and mitochondrial function (Baur and Sinclair).

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) & Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
– Precursors of NAD+, a molecule essential for cellular energy and DNA repair.
– NAD+ levels decline with age, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.
– Supplementation has shown promise in improving energy metabolism and reducing age-related decline in animal studies.

Quercetin
– Found in apples, onions, and green tea.
– A natural senolytic (removes senescent cells).
– May reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular function (Zhang et al.).

Fisetin
– Found in strawberries, apples, and persimmons.
– Another senolytic compound with potential to slow aging by clearing damaged cells.
– May enhance brain function and reduce neuroinflammation.

Curcumin
– The active compound in turmeric.
– Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
– May protect against cognitive decline and improve joint health (Hewlings and Kalman).

Spermidine
– Found in wheat germ, soy, mushrooms, and aged cheese.
– Promotes autophagy, helping cells clear out damaged components.
– Linked to improved cardiovascular health and longer lifespan in animal studies.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)
– Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and algae.
– Reduce inflammation, support brain health, and improve heart function.
– May lower the risk of age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
– A critical molecule for mitochondrial energy production.
– Levels decline with age, leading to reduced energy and increased oxidative stress.
– Supplementation may improve heart function and reduce fatigue.

Berberine
– Found in goldenseal, barberry, and other plants.
– Mimics the effects of metformin, a diabetes drug linked to longevity.
– Improves insulin sensitivity and supports metabolic health.

Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
– A powerful antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function.
– May promote weight management and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Longevity

Aging is a complex process, but emerging research suggests that we can influence it through diet, fasting, and strategic supplementation with longevity supplements. While no single nutraceutical or diet can “stop” aging, a combination of these strategies may help slow down its effects and promote a healthier, longer life. Nooria supplements contain organic and quality sources of most of these nutrients for longevity.

References
– Baur, Joseph A., and David A. Sinclair. “Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol: The in Vivo Evidence.” Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, vol. 5, no. 6, 2006, pp. 493–506.
– Hewlings, Susan J., and Douglas S. Kalman. “Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health.” Foods, vol. 6, no. 10, 2017, p. 92.
– López-Otín, Carlos, et al. “The Hallmarks of Aging.” Cell, vol. 153, no. 6, 2013, pp. 1194–1217.
– Patterson, Ruth E., and David D. Sears. “Metabolic Effects of Intermittent Fasting.” Annual Review of Nutrition, vol. 37, 2017, pp. 371–393.
– Zhang, Lei, et al. “Quercetin and Human Health: Epidemiological Evidence and Clinical Applications.” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 2, 2021, p. 446.