Medications & supplements

In our practice, we organize longevity tactics into five domains — one of which I call ‘exogenous molecules,’ a fancy way of talking about medications, supplements, hormones, or any other formulated molecule you put into your body. Although powerful, this tactic can be challenging to discuss as it is highly individual. So instead of telling you to “take X” or “never take Y,” I find it more beneficial to approach this tactic with a 3-part framework:
(1) What is the objective? The more clearly you can define your objective, the more clearly you can assess if this is the right tool for accomplishing that objective
(2) Is there a biomarker? How do you plan to customize, track, and adjust your treatment over time? If there is no biomarker to monitor as a measure of effectiveness, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the supplement or medication; it just means you may need to be more intentional around monitoring results in other ways.
(3) Does the risk outweigh the reward? Everyone has a different tolerance for risk. Some questions to consider when weighing risk vs. reward: What is the mechanism of action? How many patient years of use exist? What are the short-term and long-term risks of taking the medication? What are the risks of not taking the medication?
Below is a collection of past content discussing some common supplements, medications, and other treatments.

Medications & supplements

Free Article

Expanding the toolkit for managing acute pain

Other tactics, tools, & treatments

AMA

Nicotine: impact on cognitive function, performance, and mood, health risks, delivery modalities, and smoking cessation strategies

Ep. #344 (AMA #70)

Medications & supplements

Free Article

An emerging role for creatine supplementation in the treatment of depression

Medications & supplements

AMA

Scrutinizing supplements: creatine, fish oil, vitamin D, and more—a framework for understanding effectiveness, quality, and individual need

Ep. #340 (AMA #69)

Medications & supplements

Premium Article

Metformin as a potential longevity medication: where do we stand?

Risks

Podcast Episode

Insulin resistance masterclass: The full body impact of metabolic dysfunction and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Ep. #337 with Ralph DeFronzo, M.D.

Medications & supplements

Free Article

A common nasal decongestant appears to be ineffective, so what alternatives exist?

Understanding science

Free Article

How can the process of drug development be improved?

Medications & supplements

Free Article

Unlocking the potential of migraine medications for endometriosis treatment

Exercise

Guest Episode

Optimizing endurance performance: metrics, nutrition, lactate, and more insights from elite performers

Ep. #331 with Olav Aleksander Bu

Risks

Free Article

Precautions against increased fall risk associated with antihypertensive drugs

Longevity

AMA

Special AMA: Peter on exercise, important labs, building good habits, promising longevity research, and more

Ep. #329

Medications & supplements

Premium Article

Evaluating NAD and NAD precursors for health and longevity

Nutrition

Guest Episode

Metabolism, energy balance, and aging: How diet, calorie restriction, and macronutrients influence longevity and metabolic health

Ep. #324 with Eric Ravussin, Ph.D.

Medications & supplements

Free Article

Failure of resveratrol to improve metabolic health is another nail in the coffin

Exercise

Guest Episode

Bone health for life

Ep. #322 with Belinda Beck, Ph.D.

Mental & Emotional Health

Free Article

Evaluating exercise as an equivalent to medication for the treatment of depression and anxiety

Medications & supplements

AMA

New insights on GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)

Ep. #320 (AMA #64)

Medications & supplements

AMA

A guide for hair loss: causes, treatments, transplants, and sex-specific considerations

Ep. #316 (AMA #63)

Nutrition

Guest Episode

Rethinking nutrition science: the evolving landscape of obesity treatment, GLP-1 agonists, protein, and the need for higher research standards

Ep. #314 with David Allison, Ph.D.

Medications & supplements

Free Article

A recent study does little to supplement earlier knowledge on multivitamins and health

Longevity

Podcast Episode

Longevity 101

Ep. #311

Medications & supplements

Free Article

Does pharmacological treatment for ADHD increase risk of cardiovascular disease?

Risks

Free Article

Does hormone replacement therapy impact dementia risk?