Top 5 Nutrients to Consider For Longevity

The World Health Organization reported that the number of individuals worldwide over 60 years old is expected to double by 2050. (29) With this increase in our aging population, understanding the factors that impact health and disease as we age becomes necessary to maintain longevity and quality of life.

From Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease to osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis, the risk of several chronic health conditions increases with age. (16) While aging is a normal process, many chronic diseases associated with aging can be prevented and even reversed. (3)(5)(28) Certain lifestyle and dietary modifications can help to support human longevity and health throughout the lifespan. (28) This article outlines the concept of aging and longevity, as well as the top nutrients to include in your diet to promote extended life expectancy.

What is longevity and aging?

Also referred to as senescence, aging is the progressive and normal deterioration of anatomic structures and physiological processes in the body. (3) While longevity is simply defined as “a long duration of individual life”, (13) healthy aging and longevity involve not only extending an individual’s lifespan but also improving health and quality of life while aging.

Scientists are still working to fully understand the causes of aging, however, numerous mechanisms of aging have been proposed. Several cellular and molecular markers are believed to be involved in the aging process. Markers of aging include:

• Altered intercellular communication
• Cellular senescence
• Deregulated nutrient-sensing
• Epigenetic alterations
• Genomic instability
• Loss of proteostasis
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Stem cell exhaustion
• Telomere attrition (14)

An individual’s progression of aging can be understood by their phenotype, a combination of their genotype (genetic makeup) and external factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and environment. (3) A number of processes and pathologies contributing to biological aging have been identified, including cellular damage, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. (14) Cellular damage results from oxidative stress, which occurs when there are insufficient antioxidants available to counteract the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Oxidative stress may play a role in many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. (7) Targeting these biological processes may help prevent disease and promote healthy aging and longevity.

Including specific nutrients in the diet can help promote longevity and healthy aging.

The role of diet and lifestyle in aging and longevity

Many lifestyle factors, such as engaging in regular physical activity, moderating intake of alcohol, and consuming a healthy diet, may reduce morbidity and mortality risk. (20) One study of aging adults suggests that social engagement, sleep, and physical activity can impact cognitive function and overall brain health. It was found that increased conversation time and the number of walking steps provided protection against cognitive decline. It was also reported that total sleep time between 4.86 and 8.25 hours per night prevented cognitive impairment, while sleep time over 7.24 hours per night may negatively impact cognitive function. (9)

A healthy diet can improve some aging-related changes by reducing inflammation and positively impacting metabolic health. Foods that have been associated with reduced systemic inflammation include fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. (20) Outlined below are some of the top nutrients for longevity and the food sources in which they are found.

Top nutrients for longevity

Research has shown that certain nutrients found in whole foods support overall health and promote longer life expectancy. Examples of whole foods include fish, legumes, whole grains, berries, and veggies, particularly leafy greens. Keep reading to learn about the top ingredients and their benefits.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound found in the heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas of humans. Levels of CoQ10 are depleted by age-related oxidative stress, mitochondrial diseases, and statin use. Statins are lipid-lowering medications commonly prescribed for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in aging adults. (8) CoQ10 supplementation may support cardiovascular health by lowering levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 and protecting against oxidative stress. (2) Furthermore, CoQ10 supplementation may improve blood sugar regulation and has been shown to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), which measures the average level of blood sugar over the last few months. (8) Deficiency in CoQ10 has been associated with type 2 diabetes, fibromyalgia, cancer, neurodegenerative, and heart disease. (8) CoQ10 is synthesized in the body and may be obtained from several food sources, including organ meats (e.g., liver, kidney, heart), sardines, herring, peanuts, spinach, and broccoli. (21)

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of long-chain fatty acids that include alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While ALA may be obtained from plant foods, such as walnuts, flax, chia, and hemp seeds, (27) the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is limited in humans. (1) EPA and DHA, considered to be the main health-promoting omega-3s, have been shown to increase levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. (20) High amounts of EPA and DHA fatty acids are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and cod liver oil. (27) A meta-analysis of 21 studies identified a link between regular fish consumption and reduced risk of certain chronic health conditions, such as breast cancer, (30) heart disease, (11) and osteoporosis. (4) Fish oil supplementation appears to exert cardioprotective effects by reducing triglyceride levels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing platelet aggregation. (11)

EPA and DHA found in fish oil are considered to be potent anti-inflammatories.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Another way to promote healthy aging is by supporting a balanced population of microbes that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, known as the gut microbiota. Longevity studies in Italian and Chinese centenarians have identified the presence of some common beneficial bacteria in both cohorts, including Ruminococcaceae, Akkermansia, and Christensenellaceae families of bacteria. These bacteria are associated with immunomodulation, regulation of body mass index, and healthy homeostasis. Furthermore, greater diversity in microbiota is commonly considered an indicator of good health. (10)

Intestinal microbes feed on prebiotics, a type of carbohydrate found in foods such as leeks, garlic, onions, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, oats, wheat, chickpeas, and soybeans. (24) A diet high in prebiotic fiber is associated with increased short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbiota. This can protect against behavioral and inflammatory conditions. A Mediterranean diet is high in prebiotic fiber, as it includes plenty of vegetables, fruit, beans, and lentils. (22)

B vitamins

Elevated homocysteine levels, a biomarker of aging in the body, are linked to reductions in grey matter in the brain, (6) as well as an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, (12) bone loss, and bone fractures. (26) The body requires certain nutrients to metabolize homocysteine, including pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folate (vitamin B9), and cobalamin (vitamin B12). Good sources of B vitamins include liver, eggs, tuna, lamb, legumes, brown rice, dark leafy greens, nutritional yeast, milk, and yogurt. (17)(18)(19) The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE 2) study found that combined supplementation of vitamins B6, B12, and folate reduced homocysteine and risk of stroke by approximately 25%. (23) Learn more about diet and supplements for heart health on the Fullscript blog.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a polyphenol primarily found in grape skins, red wine, grape juice, berries (e.g., blueberries, cranberries), and peanuts. Research has found resveratrol to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. Resveratrol supplementation has been shown to reduce biomarkers associated with inflammation, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). (25) In-vivo and in-vitro animal studies suggest that resveratrol may exert health benefits by inhibiting a process called glycation, which involves a reaction between proteins and sugars that produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are considered a biomarker of aging, as they can accumulate and cause damage to cells and tissues. (7)

Resveratrol, a polyhpenol compound, is concentrated in grape skins.

The bottom line

While an individual’s experience of aging is partly determined by genetics, lifestyle and dietary factors can play a significant role in healthy aging and the prevention of age-related conditions. Nutrients such as CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, B vitamins, and resveratrol can help to promote longevity. Including these nutrients in your diet or obtaining them through supplementation may help to prevent some of the chronic conditions associated with aging. For more information or to determine if these nutrients would be beneficial to your overall health plan, speak to an integrative healthcare provider.