Targeted supplementation

Why supplementation is becoming essential today (decline of nutrients in soils, modern lifestyle, oxidative stress, aging). It is explained that diet remains the basis, but that specific molecules, carefully chosen, can act as “keys” to optimize major biological functions.

1. Energy and mitochondria: restarting the cellular engine

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, responsible for producing ATP. With age or under the influence of oxidative stress, they weaken, leading to chronic fatigue, decreased performance, and fragility.

Certain targeted nutrients directly support their function:

  • CoQ10 and PQQ improve mitochondrial biogenesis,
  • L-carnitine facilitates the use of fatty acids as fuel,
  • NAD+ boosters (NMN, NR) restore DNA repair and energy efficiency [1][2].

The discovery of CoQ10 in Japan in 1957 marked the beginning of a new approach to cellular longevity. Today, biohackers and researchers are more interested than ever in its use as a way to maintain sustained energy.

2. Silent Inflammation and Immunity: Extinguishing the Inner Fire

Chronic low-grade inflammation, also known as “inflammaging,” is one of the greatest accelerators of aging. It isn't visible like an acute infection, but it silently wears down tissues, weakens immunity, and promotes chronic disease.

To calm him down, science highlights:

  • Omega-3 EPA/DHA , powerful anti-inflammatories,
  • Vitamin D3-K2 , regulator of the immune system,
  • Zinc and curcumin , protectors of inflammatory balance [3][4].

The Inuit were the first natural “guinea pigs”: their abundant consumption of oily fish led to the discovery of the protective role of omega-3, a revolution in the understanding of immunity and aging.

3. Brain and nervous system: protecting memory and clarity

The brain, composed of over 60% lipids, is extremely sensitive to oxidative stress and fatty acid deficiencies. With age, the slowdown in neurotransmitters leads to memory loss, anxiety, and brain fog.

To protect it:

  • DHA (brain omega-3 fatty acid) promotes neuronal plasticity,
  • Magnesium soothes stress and supports synapses,
  • B vitamins optimize methylation and neurochemical balance,
  • L-theanine improves concentration by reducing anxiety [5][6].

In Asia, regular consumption of DHA-rich algae and fish illustrates this traditional approach that supports memory and cognitive longevity.

4. Skin, tissues and regeneration: nourishing visible youth

Skin reflects the body's internal state. Antioxidant and collagen deficiencies result in a dull complexion, loss of elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles.

Supplements that protect it include:

  • Vitamin C , essential for the synthesis of collagen,
  • Hydrolyzed collagen , which directly nourishes fibroblasts,
  • Astaxanthin , a marine carotenoid that acts as an internal screen against UV rays,
  • Hydroxytyrosol from olives, a polyphenol that defends against oxidation [7][8].

These molecules strengthen not only the skin, but also the tendons, vessels and connective tissues, the true pillars of visible and invisible regeneration.

5. Cellular Cleansing and Longevity: The Art of Autophagy

Our cells have a self-cleaning mechanism called autophagy , which recycles damaged proteins and organelles. With age, this process slows down, leading to a buildup of “waste” that accelerates aging.

Natural molecules stimulate this mechanism:

  • Spermidine (found in Japanese natto and wheat germ),
  • Fisetin (strawberry pigment, powerful senolytic),
  • Urolithin A (from pomegranate via the intestinal microbiota) [9][10].

These recent discoveries confirm what the Blue Zones had already shown: diets rich in polyphenols and legumes prolong health by stimulating cell renewal.

6. Personalized approach: precision above all

There is no one-size-fits-all supplement. Each individual has their own needs, depending on their age, gender, microbiota, and lifestyle.

  • An athlete will consume more antioxidants and magnesium.
  • An older person will need more vitamin D and protein.
  • A menopausal woman will benefit from collagen and polyphenol support.

Biomarkers (serum vitamin D, omega-3 index, ferritin, CRP) are the best guides for adjusting supplementation. Conversely, oversupplementation can become toxic (excess iron, zinc, vitamin A). The key is individualized precision [11].

7. Electrolytes and Redox Potential: The Electrical Balance of Life

Our cells don't just run on nutrients or longevity molecules, but also on biological electricity . Every heartbeat, every nerve impulse, every muscle contraction depends on electrolyte balance and the maintenance of redox potential.

  • Key electrolytes : sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine.
    They regulate water balance, nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
  • Redox potential (reduction/oxidation) : measures the body's ability to balance its electron exchanges. A healthy redox potential = an organism capable of countering free radicals without falling into excessive oxidation.
  • Link with longevity :
    • Magnesium acts as a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those related to ATP.
    • Potassium helps maintain the polarity of cell membranes, ensuring intercellular communication.
    • Calcium orchestrates intracellular signaling, including muscle fiber contraction and neurotransmitter release.
    • Sodium and chlorine , often demonized, are essential for osmotic pressure and nerve conduction.

Targeted supplementation

  • Balanced mineral salts (e.g. whole sea salt, sugar-free electrolyte powder).
  • Water rich in minerals (Magnesium > 50 mg/L).
  • Conscious hydration : drink with the addition of a pinch of sea salt or potassium under certain conditions (intense activity, sauna, fasting).

Cultural/scientific example

Fermented beverage traditions (kefir, kombucha, corn chicha) naturally contain electrolytes and organic acids, regulating water balance and redox potential.
Today, bioelectronic research shows that plasma redox potential is a key indicator of biological aging .

Recommended Reading

David Sinclair — Lifespan (2019)
A reference work on longevity genes, NAD+ and molecules capable of slowing down the biological clock.

Peter Attia — Outlive (2023)
A practical and scientific roadmap for living longer and healthier lives, integrating sensible supplementation into a comprehensive strategy.

Rhonda Patrick — Publications & podcasts
Popularizes the science of micronutrients, including vitamin D, omega-3, and sulforaphane, as they relate to the prevention of age-related diseases.

Valter Longo — The Longevity Diet (2018)
Presents the link between diet, fasting and supplementation in the prevention of aging and chronic diseases.

References

  1. Crane FL. Discovery of ubiquinone (CoQ10). Biochem Biophys Res Commun , 1957.
  2. Ristow M, Schmeisser S. Mitochondria and hormesis in aging. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol , 2011.
  3. Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr , 1991.
  4. Prietl B et al. Vitamin D and immune function. Nutrients , 2013.
  5. Gröber U et al. Magnesium in prevention and therapy. Nutrients , 2015.
  6. Kennedy D.O. B vitamins and the brain. Nutrients , 2016.
  7. Tominaga K et al. Protective effects of astaxanthin. J Clin Biochem Nutr , 2012.
  8. Visioli F et al. Hydroxytyrosol and health. Pharmacol Res , 2020.
  9. Madeo F et al. Spermidine in health and disease. Science , 2018.
  10. Andreux P et al. Urolithin A and mitophagy. Nat Metab , 2019.
  11. Ames B.N. Prolonging healthy aging: micronutrient deficiencies cause DNA damage. PNAS , 2009.

FAQ

Can supplementation replace diet?
No. It acts as a complementary lever, but cannot compensate for a poor diet.

What are the basic “must-haves”?
Vitamin D3-K2, omega-3 EPA/DHA and magnesium: validated by research for their universal role.

Should you take longevity molecules every day?
No, some (spermidine, fisetin, urolithin A) work better in cycles or integrated into a varied diet.