Stanford’s Dr. Andrew Huberman takes NMN, NR, grape seed extract, and the occasional NAD+ infusion but not for lifespan extension.
By
Brett J. Weiss
Highlights
- Dr. Huberman says nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursors nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) andnicotinamide riboside (NR) enhance his daily physical and cognitive energy.
- He adds that daily supplementationwith grape seed extract, known to contain the natural phenol resveratrol, issafe and may positively impact vascular function and blood flow.
- Dr. Huberman does not take metforminor rapamycin based on what he sees as a lack of evidence supporting theirpro-longevity benefits.
Dr. Andrew Huberman, an associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University, provides an update on his views regarding supplementation for longevity in a Huberman Lab podcast. In the podcast, he reveals that he takes one to two grams of sublingual NMN — which dissolves below the tongue — along with 500 milligrams of NR daily for sustained physical energy and mental focus throughout the day. He also takes 400 to 800 milligrams of grape seed extract daily due to its potential to improve vascular function and blood flow. Dr. Huberman does not take any of these supplements for lifespan extension due to what he sees as a lack of evidence supporting any longevity enhancement, at least for humans.
Moreover, Dr. Huberman does not take the diabetes drugmetformin or rapamycin, a drug approved to prevent tissue rejection intransplant recipients. Although some people have repurposed these drugs fortheir potential to enhance longevity, Dr. Huberman says that human datameasuring their benefits has not convinced him.
Dr. Huberman Takes NAD+ Boosters for Mental and PhysicalEnergy
Instead of taking the NAD+ boosters NMN and NR for longevitybenefits, he takes them because they give him lots of sustained physical andcognitive energy throughout the day. He also states that the elevated energylevels from taking these two compounds taper off nicely in the evening. Dr.Huberman adds that he has gone periods without taking NMN and NR and found thatduring these timeframes, he had less energy.
Along the lines of NAD+ precursors and lifespan, Dr. Huberman says, “I do not take NR and NMN in order to increase my lifespan. In fact, at this point in history, it’s unclear and seems somewhat unlikely that increasing NAD+ [with NR and NMN] is going to increase lifespan.”
Interestingly, Dr. Huberman says that data may arrive in the future showing the NMN and/or NR increase human lifespan. However, those data are not here, at least not yet.
Grape Seed Extract for Vascular Health and Blood Flow
The naturally-occurring, plant-derived compound resveratrolhas been highly touted as a potential age-slowing supplement that may also extend lifespan.However, Dr. Huberman says it is fair to say that most of this thinking hasbeen “debunked.” He adds that while resveratrol may have some positive impactson our cells, there is very little definitive evidence that resveratrol extendslifespan.
At the same time, Dr. Huberman adds that he takes grape seedextract, which contains a fair amount of resveratrol, because of its potentialto enhance vascular health and blood flow. Moreover, he states that he takesthis compound due to its low cost and because he considers it safe to use.
An Alternative to NMN and/or NR — NAD+ Infusions
As a more expensive and inconvenient but potentially moreeffective alternative to NMN and/or NR, Dr. Huberman relays information aboutNAD+ infusions. He says that there are companies that will come to your houseor have you go to a facility to give you an NAD+ infusion. Such proceduresutilize intravenous (IV) drips containing NAD+. Along those lines, Dr. Hubermanhas opted to take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of NAD+ via infusion in the past. Infact, he says that he will undergo one of these infusions a few times a year.
He adds that undergoing this procedure is pretty darnuncomfortable, triggering nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. In thatregard, many people who undergo NAD+ infusions take anti-nausea medicines.
When Dr. Huberman has undergone NAD+ infusion, he did not take an anti-nausea medicine. As expected, he experienced severe nausea and also felt like someone was stepping on his chest and leg. After these side effects subsided, though, Dr. Huberman says he felt “fantastic,” with improved vigor.
Dr. Huberman Does Not Take Metformin or Rapamycin, TwoPotential Compounds for Longevity Enhancement
Dr. Huberman relays that he does not take the diabetes drugmetformin, which some people have repurposed for possible age-slowing benefits.Dr. Huberman says he does not think there is any convincing evidence thatmetformin extends lifespan. He came to this conclusion after reviewing datafrom metformin studies with Dr. Peter Attia.
Dr. Huberman does not take the drug rapamycin, either, adrug approved to prevent tissue rejection in transplant recipients, which somehave repurposed for potential longevity benefits. He does not take it because,from his view, the data at present do not justify supplementing with it forextending lifespan.
Tackle the Basics of Physical and Mental Health BeforeChoosing Supplements
As far as supplementation goes, Dr. Huberman says you shouldnot consider using supplements until you have tackled the basics of promotingmental and physical health. Some of the foundational practices he covers for aquality life involve getting sufficient quality sleep. He also emphasizesstress management and strong social connections.
Moreover, Dr. Huberman says there is no known longevitysupplement that comes close to giving the longevity benefits of regularexercise. Along those lines, Dr. Huberman recommends a minimum of 180 to 220minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise a week, like briskwalking, where you can still carry out a conversation. In addition, herecommends getting your heart rate near its maximum at least once per week.Furthermore, he suggests resistance training with weights or bodyweight for sixsets per week for each part of the body you exercise to enhance nerve-to-muscleconnections, which may positively impactcognition.
Importantly, the last thing Dr. Huberman emphasizes is toconsult with a physician before adding any supplement to your repertoire. Doingso will help ensure you receive proper medical guidance related to any adverseeffects that may arise.
