I first encountered Dr. David Sinclair through Joe Rogan and The Tim Ferris Show Podcasts. He's also known for his TED Talks on aging and scientific advancements that extend the human lifespan.
In 2014, Sinclair was named Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" for his contributions to aging research.
In this article, we'll highlight some of David Sinclair's contributions to aging research, his anti-aging regimen, and his supplements, like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), and how they can be used for longevity benefits.
Dr. David Sinclair's Supplement Routine
Sinclair's supplement protocol is extensive, to say the least, and includes various compounds that support cellular health.
While he doesn't endorse specific brands, his research and practices can be used as insights into the potential benefits of these supplements for longevity. It's important that we disclose that this article isn't meant to replace the advice of your healthcare professional. We strongly recommend you speak with your doctor about these supplements and understand that none of these supplements are approved by the FDA to stop or reverse the aging process.
With that out of the way, here are some of the supplements Sinclair mentions, their potential longevity benefits, and how he takes them.
|
Supplement/Drug |
Potential Benefits |
Sinclair’s Protocol |
Where to Buy |
|
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) |
NMN is a precursor to NAD+. Research supports NMN's role in maintaining NAD+ levels, which decline with age [1]. |
Dr. Sinclair takes 1 gram (1000 mg) of a prescribed NMN daily. |
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Resveratrol |
Resveratrol is a polyphenol that activates sirtuins, proteins that play a role in aging and longevity [2]. |
About 1 gram per day, taken with some fat (like yogurt) to improve absorption. |
|
|
Metformin |
Metformin is a drug that’s commonly prescribed for type two diabetes, but it shows promise to extend lifespan by supporting metabolic health [3]. |
Takes 800 mg - 1000 g in the evenings except on nights before exercising. |
Requires Doctor’s Prescription |
|
Vitamin D3 |
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function and has been linked to longevity [4]. |
4000-5000 IU per day |
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Vitamin K2 |
Vitamin K2 taken with D3 helps with calcium metabolism and bone health [5]. |
Not specified, but you can find D3 + K2 supplements combined. |
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Asprin |
Asprin is an over-the-counter medication known for its anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular benefits [6]. |
81 mg daily |
Find at your local pharmacy |
|
Statin |
Statin is a prescribed heart medication that manages cholesterol [7]. |
Not specified |
Requires Doctor’s Prescription |
|
Fisetin |
Fisetin is a natural flavonoid that has been shown to reduce inflammation and support the clearance of senescent cells [8]. |
500 mg daily |
|
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Quercetin |
Quercetin is another flavonoid with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits [9]. |
500 mg |
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Spermidine |
In foods like wheat germ, spermidine supports cellular autophagy, the body's natural process of cleaning out damaged cells [10]. |
1 gram daily |
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Coenzyme Q10 |
CoQ10, or ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring compound that produces ATP for energy within the mitochondria. It also has antioxidant potential [11]. |
Taken daily (unspecified amount) |
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Rapamycin |
Rapamycin is a drug that inhibits the mTOR pathway, potentially extending lifespan and exhibiting immunosuppressive and anti-cancer properties [12]. |
Taken on and off (unspecified amount) |
Requires Doctor’s Prescription |
|
Taurine |
Taurine is an amino acid that supports cardiovascular health, muscle function, and neurological development [13] |
2 grams daily |
Neurogan Health |
|
Omega-3 Fish Oil |
Omega-3 fish oil is a supplement rich in essential fatty acids that support heart health and brain function [14]. |
Takes every evening (unspecified amount) |
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Alpha Lipoic Acid |
Alpha Lipoic Acid has a strong antioxidant potential that helps to reduce oxidative stress and supports metabolic health [15]. |
Takes “S form” daily (unspecified amount) |
Nutricost |
Dr. Sinclair's Anti-Aging Lifestyle
Sinclair says we shouldn't rely on supplements and drugs to support healthy aging. His approach also includes a combination of diet, exercise, sleep, and fasting to optimize one's health and promote longevity.
Intermittent Fasting
Dr. Sinclair practices intermittent fasting, often skipping breakfast to promote autophagy, which helps remove damaged cellular components and improve metabolic health.
The Importance of Sleep
He emphasizes the importance of quality sleep, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a restful environment to support cognitive function and cellular repair.
Exercise
Dr. Sinclair incorporates aerobic exercise, strength training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to improve cardiovascular health, maintain muscle mass, and enhance metabolic function.
Diet and Nutrition
He follows a plant-based diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, while minimizing sugar and refined carbohydrates to reduce inflammation and support metabolic health.
What Brands does David use for NMN?
Dr. Sinclair has never specifically endorsed or stated the best NMN supplement or any of his other supplements.
However, Neurogan Health could be a good place to start for our vegan, independently-tested, and made-in-America supplements.
We offer NMN in capsule and gummy form, offering up to 1000 mg of NMN per serving at a fraction of the price of other NMN supplements on the market.
Our formulations are made in collaboration with researchers at Aalborg University, and we're constantly expanding our offerings of NMN supplementation, even offering a liposomal form of NMN to help with its bioavailability.
Because we specialize in cellular health, you can find many other supplements Dr. Sinclair takes on our website and on Amazon, such as fisetin, quercetin, resveratrol, and spermidine.
To get the most out of these health supplements, you need to take them consistently. We make it easy for you to get started and stay on track with a 20% discount on your first order and a 25% discount on all subscription orders.
Does David Sinclair Have his Own NMN Supplements?
No, Dr. Sinclair does not have his own line of NMN supplements. However, he has co-founded several biotechnological companies that develop therapies for age-related diseases:
- Sirtris Pharmaceuticals: Focused on developing small-molecule drugs that activate sirtuins.
- CohBar, Inc.: Working on mitochondrial-derived peptides for treating age-related diseases.
- Life Biosciences: Aimed at addressing the eight pathways of age-related decline.
He also authored the book Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To, which provides insights into his research and views on aging.
Dr. Sinclair views aging as a disease that can be treated and potentially cured. He believes that scientific research and innovation can extend human life well beyond current expectations, improving the quality of life as people age.
How Much NMN Does David Sinclair Take?
Dr. Sinclair takes 1 gram (1000 mg) of NMN daily. This dosage supports maintaining NAD+ levels, which are vital for cellular energy and repair. For those interested in NMN, taking up to 1200 mg per day is recommended, though individual needs may vary.
Does David Sinclair Take NMN or NR?
Dr. Sinclair takes NMN, not NR (Nicotinamide Riboside). NMN is preferred because it is a direct precursor to NAD+ and has a faster onset in the body. This helps maintain higher NAD+ levels more efficiently.
That being said, some people prefer to take NR due to its own benefits and bioavailability.
NR is another NAD+ precursor that can effectively raise NAD+ levels and has been shown to support mitochondrial health and overall cellular function [16]. While Dr. Sinclair has preferred NMN based on his research and the faster conversion to NAD+, both NMN and NR have been studied for their potential anti-aging benefits and support of metabolic health.
The Takeaway: Dr. David Sinclair's Anti-Aging Regimen
Dr. David Sinclair is a notable figure in longevity science and is best known for his research on aging, particularly his work on sirtuins and NAD+ metabolism, as well as the development of potential anti-aging therapies.
He is recognized for his influential studies on how certain molecules and lifestyle interventions can extend lifespan and improve healthspan and his role in promoting the idea that aging is a treatable condition.
His supplement routine to promote healthy aging is quite intense and isn't accessible to most people. However, that doesn’t mean that all healthy aging regimes aren’t accessible. While he doesn't endorse any specific brands, his research and his personal practices give us insights into different lifestyle changes we could implement to support a healthier lifestyle as we age.
Resources:
- Shade, C. (2020). The science behind NMN–A stable, reliable NAD+ activator and anti-aging molecule. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 19(1), 12.
- Skroza, D., Šimat, V., Smole Možina, S., Katalinić, V., Boban, N., & Generalić Mekinić, I. (2019). Interactions of resveratrol with other phenolics and activity against food‐borne pathogens. Food science & nutrition, 7(7), 2312-2318.
- Novelle, M. G., Ali, A., Diéguez, C., Bernier, M., & De Cabo, R. (2016). Metformin: a hopeful promise in aging research. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 6(3), a025932.
- Mark, K. A., Dumas, K. J., Bhaumik, D., Schilling, B., Davis, S., Oron, T. R., ... & Lithgow, G. J. (2016). Vitamin D promotes protein homeostasis and longevity via the stress response pathway genes skn-1, ire-1, and xbp-1. Cell reports, 17(5), 1227-1237.
- Van Ballegooijen, A. J., Pilz, S., Tomaschitz, A., Grübler, M. R., & Verheyen, N. (2017). The synergistic interplay between vitamins D and K for bone and cardiovascular health: a narrative review. International journal of endocrinology, 2017(1), 7454376.
- Ittaman, S. V., VanWormer, J. J., & Rezkalla, S. H. (2014). The role of aspirin in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Clinical medicine & research, 12(3-4), 147-154.
- Ziaeian, B., & Fonarow, G. C. (2017). Statins and the prevention of heart disease. JAMA cardiology, 2(4), 464-464.
- Yousefzadeh, M. J., Zhu, Y. I., McGowan, S. J., Angelini, L., Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg, H., Xu, M., ... & Niedernhofer, L. J. (2018). Fisetin is a senotherapeutic that extends health and lifespan. EBioMedicine, 36, 18-28.
- Li, Y., Yao, J., Han, C., Yang, J., Chaudhry, M. T., Wang, S., ... & Yin, Y. (2016). Quercetin, inflammation and immunity. Nutrients, 8(3), 167.
- Ni, Y. Q., & Liu, Y. S. (2021). New insights into the roles and mechanisms of spermidine in aging and age-related diseases. Aging and disease, 12(8), 1948.
- Hernández-Camacho, J. D., Bernier, M., López-Lluch, G., & Navas, P. (2018). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in aging and disease. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 44.
- Bjedov, I., & Rallis, C. (2020). The target of rapamycin signalling pathway in ageing and lifespan regulation. Genes, 11(9), 1043.
- Schaffer, S., & Kim, H. W. (2018). Effects and mechanisms of taurine as a therapeutic agent. Biomolecules & therapeutics, 26(3), 225.
- Dighriri, I. M., Alsubaie, A. M., Hakami, F. M., Hamithi, D. M., Alshekh, M. M., Khobrani, F. A., ... & Tawhari, M. Q. (2022). Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on brain functions: a systematic review. Cureus, 14(10).
- Zonooz, S. R., Hasani, M., Morvaridzadeh, M., Pizarro, A. B., Heydari, H., Yosaee, S., ... & Heshmati, J. (2021). Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Functional Foods, 87, 104774.
- Mehmel, M., Jovanović, N., & Spitz, U. (2020). Nicotinamide riboside—the current state of research and therapeutic uses. Nutrients, 12(6), 1616.
