These 22 Geroprotectors Are Real Anti-Aging Supplements

Updated 2 April 2021
Lincoln Cannon

Geroprotectors are substances that support healthy aging, slow aging, or promote life extension. They include various foods, supplements (nutraceuticals), and drugs (pharmaceuticals). And they complement practices with potential geroprotective effects, such as calorie restriction. Sometimes people call them:

  • aging suppressants
  • anti-aging drugs
  • gerosuppressants
  • longevity therapeutics
  • senolytics
  • senotherapeutics

Unfortunately no existing geroprotector comes close to realizing the age-old aspiration of ending aging altogether. In part, that's because we still don't know enough about the root cause of aging. But scientists can increase the lifespan of model organisms, which suggests that we can develop much better geroprotectors. So an increasing number of companies and non-profit organizations are anxiously engaged in aging research and development.

Although existing geroprotectors can't cure aging, science shows that they can still make a real practical difference for many people who wish to improve their healthy life span. To that end, I’ve used several geroprotectors for years. And I’m exploring ways to incorporate others into my diet, if they’re applicable to my personal situation and meet a few general criteria:

First, I look for geroprotectors supported by multiple studies on humans – not just anecdotal evidence, one study, or studies on non-human animals. Although I've nothing against the health benefits of placebo, I prefer knowing that something more than only placebo is at work.

Second, I look for geroprotectors with the highest ratios of efficacy to expense. Given innumerable options and a limited budget, I want to do more than just empty my wallet.

Third, I look for geroprotectors that are legal and generally safe. If it'll put me in a hospital or a prison, it’s not worth it.

Based on those criteria, I’ve compiled a list of top tier natural geroprotectors that actually work. These are, to the best of my knowledge, the most well-researched and effective geroprotectors available in the United States without a prescription. I’ve excluded from this list any geroprotectors that are primarily nootropic geroprotectors (such as ginkgo and melatonin), which you can find in my list of top tier nootropics.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a physician before and during use of these and other geroprotectors.

1) Berberine

Berberine is a compound of extracts from herbs such as barberry.

Supplementation may support healthy blood sugar and metabolic function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the Berberine article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Also check out our article on Berberine for longevity. Berberine is an ingredient in Thrivous Vitality Geroprotector.

2) Blueberry

Blueberry is the fruit of a perennial flowering plant native to North America.

Supplementation may support healthy DNA and genetic function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the Blueberry article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Also check out our article on preventing DNA damage by adding Blueberry to your diet. Blueberry is an ingredient in Thrivous Vitality Geroprotector.

3) Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense)

Boswellia Serrata is a plant native to India and Pakistan.

Supplementation may support healthy joint function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the Boswellia Serrata article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Also check out our article on Boswellia for joint health. The ApresFlex® extract of Boswellia is an ingredient in Thrivous Tenacity Arthroprotector.

4) Cocoa

Cocoa comes from the seeds of evergreen trees native to tropical regions of Central and South America.

Supplementation may support healthy heart and circulatory function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Cocoa may also support healthy metabolic function and photoprotection, and decrease general oxidation. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Cocoa Extract article at Examine.com for studies and details.

5) Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a molecule found in the mitochondria of humans and other organisms.

Supplementation may support healthy mitochondria and cellular function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 may also support healthy heart and circulatory function, and decrease oxidation. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Coenzyme Q10 article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Coenzyme Q10 is an ingredient in Thrivous Vitality Geroprotector.

6) Creatine

Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates.

Supplementation may enhance strength and increase hydration, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Creatine may also increase anaerobic running capacity, lean mass, bone mineral density, muscular endurance, and testosterone; and support healthy metabolic function. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Creatine article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Creatine is also in my list of top tier nootropics.

7) Curcumin

Curcumin is the bioactive in Turmeric, which is a perennial plant native to Southern Asia.

Supplementation may support joint and muscle comfort, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Curcumin may also support healthy cardiovascular and joint function during normal aging. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Curcumin article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Also check out our article on the powerful brain health benefits of Curcumin. Turmeric Curcumin is an ingredient in Thrivous Tenacity Arthroprotector.

8) DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is a natural hormone in humans and other animals.

Supplementation may increase estrogen or testosterone (depending on the need of the body), according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the Dehydroepiandrosterone article at Examine.com for studies and details.

9) Omega 3

Omega 3 is found in fish oil, among other natural sources. Fish oil, as the name suggests, is an oil that accumulates in the tissues of some fish species.

Supplementation may support healthy triglyceride levels, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the Fish Oil article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Omega 3 is also in my list of top tier nootropics. The AvailOm® Omega 3 Lysine Complex is an ingredient in Thrivous Omega Cardioprotector.

10) Garlic

Garlic is a bulbous plant native to Central Asia.

Supplementation may support healthy cholesterol and heart function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Garlic may also provide a subtle decrease to triglycerides and a strong decrease to rate of sickness. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Garlic article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Garlic is an ingredient in Thrivous Omega Cardioprotector.

11) Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum)

Horse Chestnut is a deciduous flowering tree native to South East Europe.

Supplementation may support healthy circulatory function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Horse Chestnut may also decrease pain. Evidence for this effect may not be as reliable. See the Horse Chestnut article at Examine.com for studies and details.

12) Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral found in food like nuts, cereals, and vegetables.

Supplementation may support healthy blood pressure, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Magnesium may also facilitate aerobic exercise and muscle oxygenation, and support healthy blood sugar and metabolic function. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Magnesium article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Also check out my article on Magnesium Glycinate supplementation. Magnesium is an ingredient in Thrivous Serenity Nightly Nootropic.

13) Nitrate

Nitrate is a molecule produced in the body in small amounts and available in vegetables like beetroot.

Supplementation may support healthy blood pressure, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Nitrate may also increase anaerobic running capacity and decrease oxygenation cost of exercise. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Nitrate article at Examine.com for studies and details.

14) Olive Leaf

Olive Leaf comes from an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia.

Supplementation may support healthy cardiovascular function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Olive Leaf may also support healthy cellular and DNA function. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Olive Leaf Extract article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Olive Leaf is an ingredient in Thrivous Omega Cardioprotector.

15) French Maritime Pine Bark

French Maritime Pine Bark is an extract from the bark of a maritime pine that is native to the Mediterranean.

Supplementation may support healthy cardiovascular function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See our article on the health benefits of French Maritime Pine Bark for studies and details.

The Oligopin® extract of French Maritime Pine Bank is an ingredient in Thrivous Omega Cardioprotector.

16) Salacia Reticulata

["Kothala Himbutu" by Satheesan.vn under CC BY-SA 3.0 / cropped]

Salacia Reticulata is a plant native to the forests of Sri Lanka.

Supplementation may support healthy blood sugar and metabolic function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the Salacia Reticulata article at Examine.com for studies and details.

17) SAMe (S-Adenosyl Methionine)

SAMe is a naturally-occurring compound found in most tissues and fluids of the human body.

Supplementation may support healthy joint function and comfort, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the S-Adenosyl Methionine article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Also check out our article on SAMe for brain health. SAMe is an ingredient in Thrivous Tenacity Arthroprotector.

18) Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae.

Supplementation may support healthy cellular and cardiovascular function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Spirulina may also support healthy immune function, increase strength and endurance, decrease oxidation, and support healthy blood pressure. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Spirulina article at Examine.com for studies and details.

19) TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid)

TUDCA is a bile acid found naturally in trace amounts in humans and in large amounts in other animals like bears.

Supplementation may support healthy liver function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with TUDCA may also support healthy metabolic function. Evidence for this effect may not be as reliable. See the Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid article at Examine.com for studies and details.

20) Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, is an essential dietary vitamin found in foods like liver, chicken, beef, fish, peas, peanuts, cereals, and legumes.

Supplementation may support healthy cardiovascular function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Vitamin B3 may also support healthy blood sugar and metabolic function. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Vitamin B3 article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Also check out my article on Vitamin B supplementation.

21) Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential dietary vitamin naturally synthesized in the skin from sun exposure.

Supplementation may decrease risk of falls, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. Supplementation with Vitamin D may also increase functionality in the elderly, support healthy blood pressure, and support healthy bone function. Evidence for these effects may not be as reliable. See the Vitamin D article at Examine.com for studies and details.

22) Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential dietary vitamin found in foods like leafy green vegetables and some fruits.

Supplementation may support healthy bone function, according to multiple peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in humans. See the Vitamin K article at Examine.com for studies and details.

Vitamin K Complex (K1 and K2 MK7) is an ingredient in Thrivous Tenacity Arthroprotector.

Thrivous

It can be tedious and expensive to find, measure, and swallow these geroprotectors separately. So Thrivous develops advanced supplements that combine science-based doses of the best geroprotectors. It's part of our mission to help you access technology with the greatest potential to improve your brain and body.

Thrivous currently offers four geroprotector supplements:

You can get Vitality, Tenacity, and Omega in Geroprotector Stack at a large discount. Geroprotector Stack provides most of the geroprotectors in this list at effective doses, along with complementary nutrients to improve their overall efficacy. Get your Thrivous geroprotectors today!

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