Longevity by Design

Do Longevity Supplements Really Work?

In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Andrea Mayer discusses the scientific evidence behind multivitamin and mineral supplements, highlighting that they may modestly improve cognition, mood, and blood pressure in at-risk or nutritionally deficient individuals, but show little benefit for healthy people or survival outcomes. She emphasizes a personalized approach—testing nutrient levels and dietary habits before supplementing—and warns of quality issues, noting that roughly one‑third of commercial products contain inaccurate dosages or missing ingredients. The conversation also covers emerging geroprotective compounds like alpha‑ketoglutarate and spermidine, which show modest biological age and inflammation benefits in specific, already healthy middle‑aged groups. Overall, Mayer advocates for targeted, evidence‑based supplementation and stronger regulatory oversight of supplement quality.