Supplements
Questions to Ask First
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Why are you taking this supplement?
Are you correcting a deficiency (i.e., replacing something your body lacks)?
Or are you trying to achieve supra-physiologic levels in hopes of enhancing function?
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Are you taking this for lifespan or healthspan?
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If lifespan, is it targeting a specific disease or broadly geroprotective?
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Is there a biomarker that you can track to suggest that the supplement is having the desired effect?
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Do we understand the mechanism of action?
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What is the balance of risk to reward, including potential side effects, the magnitude of the effect, and the quality of the supplement?
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These questions come from Dr. Attia and his team. You can learn more and hear detailed explanations on The Drive Podcast #340 - AMA #69: Scrutinizing supplements: creatine, fish oil, vitamin D, and more - a framework for understanding effectiveness, quality, and individual need