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.

Nutrition

Guest Episode

Rethinking protein needs for performance, muscle preservation, and longevity, and the mental and physical benefits of creatine supplementation and sauna use

Ep. #369 with Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.

Medications & supplements

AMA

Tylenol, pregnancy, and autism: What recent studies show and how to interpret the data

Ep. #367

Medications & supplements

Free Article

Announcing a special episode on autism and acetaminophen

Risks

Free Article

Cautious optimism over lithium orotate as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease

Exercise

Free Article

Preventing seasonal declines in vitamin D with exercise

Longevity

Guest Episode

How metabolic and immune system dysfunction drive the aging process, the role of NAD, promising interventions, aging clocks, and more

Ep. #359 with Eric Verdin, M.D.

Longevity

QPS

Peter’s takeaways on navigating HRT, rejuvenating the face, understanding the biology of aging, optimizing fertility, and learning to live well from the dying

Ep. #358

Medications & supplements

Free Article

It’s time to remove warning labels on hormone replacement products

Guest Episodes

Guest Episode

A new era of longevity science: models of aging, human trials of rapamycin, biological clocks, promising compounds, and lifestyle interventions

Ep. #357 with Brian Kennedy, Ph.D.

Medications & supplements

Free Article

A ketosis-inducing supplement shows preliminary promise for neuroprotection

Exercise

Podcast Episode

Navigating bone health: early life influences and advanced strategies for improvement and injury prevention (#214 rebroadcast)

Other tactics, tools, & treatments

Guest Episode

Female fertility: optimizing reproductive health, diagnosing and treating infertility and PCOS, and understanding the IVF process

Ep. #352 with Paula Amato, M.D.

Other tactics, tools, & treatments

Guest Episode

Male fertility: optimizing reproductive health, diagnosing and treating infertility, and navigating testosterone replacement therapy

Ep. #351 with Paul Turek, M.D.

Exercise

AMA

Building strength and muscle mass: how to optimize training, nutrition, and more for longevity

Ep. #349 (AMA #71)

Medications & supplements

Guest Episode

Women’s sexual health, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Ep. #348 with Rachel Rubin, M.D.

Other tactics, tools, & treatments

QPS

Peter’s takeaways on mastering sleep, dealing with chronic pain, developing breakthrough cancer drugs, transforming healthcare with AI, advancing radiation therapy, and healing trauma

Ep. #347

Other tactics, tools, & treatments

Guest Episode

Scaling biotech and improving global health: lessons from an extraordinary career in medicine

Ep. #346 with Susan Desmond-Hellmann, M.D., M.P.H.

Medications & supplements

Premium Article

Short- and long-term effects of caffeine on health and performance

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.