Life Extension has been at the forefront of groundbreaking medical research for more than 35 years. We’ve also funded more than $175 million for anti-aging and disease research. That research is supported in part by your purchases. Yet another reason to feel good about choosing Life Extension.

From revolutionary formulas to amazing breakthroughs, again and again, our commitment to health advances has made history. And many of the strategies we recommend are so advanced they are often 10 to 20 years ahead of mainstream medical acceptance.

Did you know?

LE was the first to recommend low-dose aspirin therapy to protect against heart attack.
LE was the first to recommend CoQ10 for heart health.
LE was the first to recommend the omega-3s in fish oil to promote heart health.

A Track Record of Achievements

Life Extension researched and recommended the daily use of low-dose aspirin to prevent vascular disease. Cardiologists now prescribe low-dose aspirin as standard protocol to protect against a heart attack in cardiac patients.

Life Extension was the first to recommend coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an anti-aging nutrient.

Life Extension introduced melatonin to America as an effective anti-aging therapy. After several books were published praising the multiple benefits of this natural hormone, virtually every health food store in the United States began selling it three years later in 1995

Life Extension revealed the crucial importance of monitoring blood levels for fibrinogen, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Since then, numerous studies have confirmed high levels of fibrinogen as a risk factor — just like high cholesterol levels.

Life Extension introduced the discovery of a compound called s-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) that safely alleviated depression, arthritis, and certain liver disorders. Thirteen years later, in 2010, a Harvard study showed that the use of SAMe increased patient response to conventional anti-depressant drugs by 105%!

The FDA approved the anti-viral drug ribavirin for use in hepatitis C patients. Life Extension had fought the FDA for 12 years to force them to approve this lifesaving medication.

Life Extension conducted original research using carotid ultrasound tests to show that taking high doses of antioxidants over an extended period of time may provide some protection against atherosclerosis.

Life Extension recommended memantine to treat Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This drug had been used in Germany since 1991, but was not approved by the FDA. The FDA eventually approved it two-and-a-half years later.

Life Extension introduced a form of coenzyme Q10 —ubiquinol — that is far better absorbed into the bloodstream compared to commercial ubiquinone CoQ10 supplements, facilitating greater cellular energy production.

Life Extension stressed the benefits of pomegranate, resveratrol, and quercetin in enhancing a little-recognized blood enzyme called PON-1 (paraoxonase-1). PON-1 levels decrease with age, which leads to a decline in the cardio-protective effect of HDL (good cholesterol). Pomegranate has been shown to elevate PON-1 activity and promote activity in the gene that governs PON-1 production. Optimized levels of PON-1 have demonstrated the ability to block lipid peroxidation, and may serve as a potent defense against heart disease, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and certain cancers.

To help support healthy blood pressure, Life Extension formulated a product featuring oleuropein, a compound found in the olive leaf, which has been shown to favorably modulate arterial resistance or stiffness.

Life Extension formulated a series of supplements containing the polyphenol gastrodin to support both cognitive function, circulatory function, and promote normal defensive and regenerative mechanisms in the brain. This innovative compound acts as a broad-spectrum “brain shield,” protecting brain cells from oxidant, inflammatory, and excitatory damage.

Life Extension created a specialized formula that supports adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Found in every cell, the AMPK enzyme serves as the body’s master regulating switch. Studies show that increased AMPK activity revitalizes aging cells, promotes mitochondrial production, and even supports healthy lipid and blood glucose levels already within normal range.

Life Extension introduced a formula containing concentrated pollen extracts specifically selected for their ability to promote prostate support, healthy urination patterns, and prostate function.

.NEWS

An Impeccable Track Record of 38 Years of Scientific Achievements in Health and Longevity

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

Life Extension has led the world uncovering new ways to prevent and treat the diseases of aging since 1980. We’ve unveiled innovative treatment protocols in our Life Extension Magazine® years before they were recognized by conventional medicine. Today, many of the advances we’ve championed have become standard medical practice. Below is a chronology of those advances and achievements, spanning over an incredible four decades.

1980s

Recommended the use of low-dose aspirin on a daily basis to prevent vascular disease.
The first organization in the world to recommend the Japanese cardiac drug coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an anti-aging nutrient.
Warned against the intake of supplemental iron.
Recommended the drug cimetidine (Tagamet®) as an adjuvant cancer therapy.
Recommended the broad-spectrum anti-viral drug ribavirin to treat lethal viral infections 12 years before the FDA approved it as a treatment for Hepatitis C.

Sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of its failure to approve Tacrine (THA) to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Introduced melatonin to the American public as an effective anti-aging therapy.
Founded the first mail-order blood screening service that offered state-of-the-art tests directly to the public.
Published the first book that integrated hormone replacement, high-dose nutrient supplementation, prescription drugs, and conventional medical treatments for preventing and treating 110 diseases.
Revealed the crucial importance of monitoring blood levels of fibrinogen.

Recommended a drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease called memantine that had been used in Germany since 1991.
Reported that optimal glucose levels should be lower than current guidelines to reduce heart attack risk by 40%.
Vindicated in its position that X-rays at any dose pose health risks to humans.
Warned about an FDA-approved fish oil drug priced 797% higher than supplements containing the same amount of EPA/DHA.
Introduced a form of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) vastly superior to commercial CoQ10 supplements.
Compiled data showing life-extending benefits of supplementing with higher-dose vitamin D.

Shed light on the lethal consequences of low-dose aspirin and CoQ10 censorship by the FDA.
Reported on a 2015 discussion in the research community about initiating a human study of metformin’s anti-aging properties.
Reported on a strawberry extract called fisetin that has been shown to enhance the calorie restriction mimetic action of resveratrol.
Introduced a novel compound called PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone), that has been shown to rejuvenate aging cells by promoting the growth of new mitochondria.
Published a book (Pharmocracy) that exposed how inefficient and corrupt government practices stifle medical innovation and cause healthcare prices to spiral out of control.

An Impeccable Track Record of 38 Years of Scientific Achievements in Health and Longevity

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

In 2010, a landmark study of caloric restriction in primates demonstrating a three-fold reduction in mortality, confirming what Life Extension published 30 years prior. This led to development of a formulation that provides five natural compounds shown to mimic effects of caloric restriction on gene expression without severe dietary modification.

In 2010, to counter the abnormally high blood sugar and dangerous pre-diabetic state suffered by an estimated 60 million Americans, Life Extension uncovered a novel group of enzyme-inhibitors shown to control glucose levels, improve blood markers of health, and regain glycemic balance

In 2010, Life Extension added shilajit to its ubiquinol CoQ10 formulation to better enhance mitochondrial energy output.

In 2010, Life Extension stressed the benefits of pomegranate, resveratrol, and quercetin in enhancing a little-recognized blood enzyme called PON-1 (paraoxonase-1). Optimized levels of PON-1 have demonstrated the ability to block lipid peroxidation and may serve as a potent defense against heart disease, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and certain cancers.

In 2010, Life Extension reported that curcuminoids and andrographolides, a set of safe, multi-targeted natural agents, have been identified to disrupt the inflammatory cascade involved in rheumatoid arthritis and reduce joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.

In 2010, Life Extension was once again vindicated in its 30-year crusade to expose financial and scientific fraud as pharmaceutical giant Pfizer was forced to pay the largest criminal fine ever imposed in the United States ($1.195 billion). This fine was a result of government claims that Pfizer illegally promoted the sale of its arthritis drug Bextra® for uses and doses the FDA specifically declined to approve due to safety concerns. (Bextra is a COX-2 inhibitor, a drug class that Life Extension warned its customers against taking in year 2000.)

In 2010, Life Extension reported that Hibiscus sabdariffa, similar to the cranberry, prevents bacteria that cause urinary tract infections from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract and bladder. Compared to the cranberry in vitro, hibiscus demonstrated a stronger antimicrobial effect — especially against Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for yeast infections.

In 2010, Life Extension announced a revolutionary new test, currently available in Europe that measures the characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and allows for specific conventional and natural treatments to be tailored to cancer patients.

In 2010, Life Extension reminded male Life Extension customers about the critical need to maintain estrogen blood levels between 20–30 pg/mL. This longstanding recommendation was confirmed the year before when the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that showed men with unbalanced estrogen levels were up to 317% more likely to die from heart failure.

In 2010, to combat chronic kidney disease suffered by 26 million Americans, Life Extension recommended clinically supported interventions such as CoQ10, silymarin, resveratrol, and lipoic acid in addition to nutrients like pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E.

In 2010, a groundbreaking scientific study, partially funded by Life Extension and published in the journal Regenerative Medicine, demonstrated that the aging of human cells can be reversed in vitro.

In 2010, Life Extension published original research using its own customers’ blood test results that revealed a startling 86% of men had less than optimal testosterone levels. Aside from waning sexual performance, depression, and diminished strength, low testosterone has been definitively linked to men’s risk of death from all causes.

In 2010, Life Extension reported on a strawberry extract called fisetin that has been shown to enhance the calorie restriction mimetic action of resveratrol.

In 2010, Life Extension stepped up its funding of a human clinical trial of an immune augmentation therapy that has been shown to cure cancer in mice.

In 2010, the federal government admitted that radiation from CT scans contributes to 29,000 cases of cancer in one year and 15,000 needless deaths. Since its inception, Life Extension warned its customers to avoid any kind of medical X-ray unless absolutely necessary because of increased cancer risks.

In 2010, Life Extension reported that omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with increased volume of the brain’s gray matter. Normal aging results in a loss of brain mass.

In 2010, following the remarkable discovery that blood vessel cells can transform into bone-forming cells — confirming a link between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis — Life Extension maintained its advocacy of regularly supplementing with vitamin K, which optimizes bone mineralization and prevents calcium deposits in vascular tissue.

In 2010, Life Extension, which has urged supplementation with vitamin K since the late 1990s, reported compelling clinical evidence showing that vitamin K can prevent, and in some cases treat, a variety of common and dangerous cancers.

In 2010, Life Extension introduced a novel compound called PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone), that has been shown to rejuvenate aging cells by promoting the growth of new mitochondria.

In 2010, Life Extension reported that the berry extract C3G (cyanidin-3-glucoside) has demonstrated the ability to enhance visual acuity in low-light conditions.

In 2010, Life Extension introduced a patented, clinically supported wheat oil ingredient shown to rehydrate dry aged skin from within.

In 2010, Life Extension reported on a safer, better, and clinically proven form of chromium that has been shown to improve glucose control and insulin sensitivity in a study of diabetics taking one of three common oral hypoglycemic medications.

In 2011, Life Extension reports that new research confirms blueberry polyphenols, previously reported to support cognitive health, also target factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome, including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and adverse lipid blood profiles.

In 2011, Life Extension reports a landmark aging-reversal study published in the November 28, 2010, online edition of the scientific journal Nature which showed that prematurely aged mice whose telomeres were lengthened experienced a rapid reversal of degenerative pathologies. In response to this unprecedented finding, Life Extension funds $2 million for a new aging-reversal study that will include telomere lengthening.

In 2011, Life Extension introduces a proprietary complex of bioactive milk peptides, widely used in Europe to promote sustained and restful sleep patterns and promote a healthy response to stress.

In 2011, Life Extension introduces fucoidans, the long-chain molecules found primarily in edible seaweeds native to the Japanese diet. In nearly 900 different studies, fucoidans are shown to promote healthy immune function, cell-to-cell communication, and tissue repair. Many experts believe that fucoidans are one of the key nutrients responsible for the long healthy lives of people in Okinawa, which for decades boasted the world’s highest concentration of centenarians.

In 2011, Life Extension exposed how the FDA’s failure to allow widespread use of low-dose aspirin resulted in three million needless cancer deaths in the United States. In an eye-opening report published by Oxford University in The Lancet in 2010, long-term low-dose aspirin therapy (75 mg per day) reduced the overall risk of cancer death by 20%. These findings demonstrate that low-dose aspirin therapy could have saved millions from cancer and vascular diseases since Life Extension first recommended daily aspirin use in 1983.

In 2011, Life Extension published a book (Pharmocracy) that exposed how inefficient and corrupt government practices stifle medical innovation and cause healthcare prices to spiral out of control. Pharmocracy advocates the repeal of draconian laws that have granted a virtual monopoly to the entrenched medical establishment and warns the nation’s solvency is at stake unless free market reforms are implemented.

In 2011, Life Extension identified more therapies being irrationally suppressed by the FDA that could save the lives of cancer victims.

In 2011, Life Extension revealed the lethal dangers of even one omission. In this instance, it appears that legendary health guru Jack LaLanne died too early from a disorder that could have been prevented.

In 2011, at the French-American BioTech Symposium, Dr. Michael West presented data on the restoration of cell life span using transcriptional reprogramming technology. This was funded in part with funds contributed by Life Extension.

In 2012, in an effort to combat the increasing incidence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Life Extension introduced a phyto-supplement containing extracts from the adaptogenic vine Schisandra chinensis and from muskmelon. This formulation helps to detoxify the liver and restore its antioxidant function to youthful levels.

In 2012, to help support healthy blood pressure, Life Extension formulated a product featuring oleuropein, a compound found in high concentration in the olive leaf, which has been shown to favorably modulate arterial resistance or stiffness.

In 2012, Life Extension published findings on a non-toxic experimental treatment it funded that resulted in 80% survival of women with stage IV breast cancer.

In 2013, Life Extension introduced the first enzyme formulation that facilitates digestion of dietary protein, fiber, and fat — without promoting the breakdown of starches and the rapid absorption of glucose into the bloodstream that triggers postprandial glucose surges.

In 2013, Life Extension researchers analyzed 12 independent studies that evaluated blood glucose levels and breast cancer risk and found that 9 of the studies revealed a correlation between higher fasting glucose, or other indicators of poor glycemic control, and increased risk of cancer.

In 2013, to enhance the body’s absorption of astaxanthin, Life Extension formulated this antioxidant carotenoid with phospholipids, clinically shown to boost astaxanthin absorption several-fold.

In 2013, Life Extension introduced a formula utilizing the digestive enzyme transglucosidase, which is scientifically shown to transform starches into prebiotic fiber in the digestive tract, helping to support healthy glucose and insulin levels.

In 2013, Life Extension published the updated, 5th edition of its Disease Prevention and Treatment book, containing more than 1,400 pages of innovative approaches to 130 common health concerns.

In 2013, to support both cognitive and circulatory function as well as the brain’s normal defenses and regenerative mechanisms, Life Extension formulated a series of supplements containing the polyphenol gastrodin, an innovative compound that acts as a broad-spectrum “brain shield,” calming brain cells and protecting them from oxidant, inflammatory, and excitatory damage.

In 2013, Life Extension formulated a supplement containing extracts of mung bean seed coat and EGCG (the major beneficial component in green tea), both powerful inhibitors of HMGB-1, the molecule that induces chronic inflammation, a chief accelerator of aging.

In 2013, Life Extension created a broad-spectrum glucose control supplement featuring white mulberry leaf extract, sorghum extract, and phloridzin, three natural ingredients which work on numerous key mechanisms to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood glucose levels, safely transport glucose out of the body, and reduce the creation of new glucose in the liver.

In 2013, Life Extension introduced a supplement containing omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), which has been shown to exert beneficial effects on many pathological components of metabolic syndrome. In addition to improving insulin sensitivity, lowering LDL-cholesterol-triglycerides, raising beneficial HDL, and helping to manage body weight, omega-7, most importantly, inhibits inflammation.

In 2013, The Supplement Pyramid: How to Build Your Personalized Nutrition Program, written by Dr. Michael A. Smith, senior health scientist for Life Extension, was published, offering an easy-to-follow method for tailoring supplement use to one’s particular health goals and needs.

In 2013, in an unprecedented breakthrough, Life Extension published the first protocol validated to extend median survival in glioblastoma (brain tumor) patients to 4.7 years, whereas conventional therapies only provide survival time of 12-15 months.

2014

Life Extension identified a cause (leukoaraiosis) of cognitive decline that affects 60% of people late middle aged and older and developed protocols to slow its progress or prevent it entirely.

Life Extension published a meticulous rebuttal to a flawed study that claimed that testosterone replacement increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease in men.

To remind the public about the horrific persecutions endured by visionaries of the past, Life Extension published a historic account of innovations brutally suppressed by whatever “authority” existed at the time.

To fill a funding gap caused by federal budget cuts, Life Extension stepped in to support a record number of scientists developing therapies to slow aging and cure cancer.

Life Extension published a hypothesis by a world renowned expert that autism may be caused by a vitamin D deficit.

To suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines at the root of most age-related diseases, Life Extension identified a novel plant extract (mung bean seed coat).

Zeroing in on an underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke, Life Extension enlightened customers to the brain damaging effects of “hypoperfusion” and identified validated methods to protect against it.

To further document the lethal impact of excess glucose, Life Extension published a compendium of published studies showing increased risks of cancer, atherosclerosis, dementia, obesity, and accelerated aging in response to modestly elevated blood sugar levels.

Life Extension revealed how comprehensive annual blood testing could spare hundreds of thousands of American lives each year.

Life Extension published an exclusive report on the European Congress on Biogerontology, where an international group of scientists presented cutting-edge research on longevity epigenetics, rejuvenation of the immune system, the dangers of CMV infection, and calorie restriction.

To expose a fatally flawed study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Life Extension published a meticulous rebuttal showing the dangers of overdosing men on an estrogen-suppressing drug.

To spare the lives of newly diagnosed cancer patients, Life Extension provided strong data to persuade oncologists to prescribe immune boosting drugs before surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is administered.

An exclusive investigative report by Life Extension uncovered a generic drug rip-off where a topical cream (acyclovir) whose active ingredients cost 8 pennies was being sold to pharmacies for $600.

To warn women facing hysterectomies, Life Extension urged that a common surgical procedure (morcellation) be avoided.

Life Extension presented case histories of terminal cancer patients who have been cured or put into long-term remission utilizing innovative, individualized treatment protocols.

Life Extension revealed the importance of administering the proper form and dose of zinc lozenge to protect against the cold virus and outlined the 30-year journey that transpired before this zinc lozenge gained mainstream acceptance as a viable common cold treatment.

Life Extension presented a clinical study on the pharmacokinetics of ursolic acid at the prestigious Experimental Biology Conference, held in San Diego, California.

Life Extension introduced a supplement containing FBCx™ alpha-cyclodextrin, a patented super-fiber that absorbs fat molecules from food before they enter the bloodstream. This soluble fiber absorbs nine times its weight in dietary fat, without undesirable gastrointestinal side effects. Research shows that alpha-cyclodextrin selectively binds to unhealthy saturated and trans fats while maintaining healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids.

Life Extension expanded its probiotic line to introduce a novel strain for cardiovascular support. Lactobacillus reuteri(NCIMB 30242) has been shown in clinical trials to safely support healthy levels of cholesterol, CRP (a marker for inflammation), fibrinogen (involved in clot formation), apoB-100 (a marker for LDL particle size), and vitamin D (important for cardiovascular health).

Life Extension sponsored a clinical study in which daily 7,000-IU doses of vitamin D improved several immunological parameters in HIV-positive children and young adults.

A study sponsored by Life Extension showed that epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a green tea derivative, improved cognitive function in young adults with Down syndrome.

Research funded by Life Extension was published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. This research, under Dr. Victoria Belancio, established that melatonin suppresses DNA (genome) instability, thereby protecting against cancer. The paper established that melatonin supplementation can be protective, and that shift-workers can be more vulnerable to DNA instability.

Life Extension provided funding for a review article authored, primarily, by Drs. Vera Gorbunova and Andrei Seluanov in which the genetics of remarkable longevity and cancer resistance observed in some rodents was explored. The article was published as the cover story in the August 2014 issue of Nature Review: Genetics, the leading scientific journal on the subject of heredity and genetics.

Life Extension researchers developed an innovative, dual-mechanism formula designed to combat immune senescence. This formula is composed of two botanical compounds, Cistanche tubulosa extract and Reishi mushroom extract, that support adaptive (e.g., T cells and B cells) and innate (e.g., macrophages and neutrophils) immune response cells, respectively.

Life Extension created a specialized formula that supports adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Studies show increased AMPK activity helps reduce fat storage, promotes the production of new mitochondria, and helps keep blood glucose and lipids levels in a healthy range. In preclinical models, AMPK upregulation resulted in a 20-to-30% increase in life span.

Life Extension introduced a groundbreaking product featuring patented nicotinamide riboside (NR), which helps enhance cellular energy metabolism by increasing levels of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Studies show that, through the manipulation of multiple critical biochemical pathways, nicotinamide riboside has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity, confer neuroprotective effects, augment the benefits of exercise, and combat the detrimental effects of a high-fat diet.

A special “ionic” formula that contains zinc acetate, the preferred zinc compound to provide enhanced seasonal immune support, was launched by Life Extension. This product releases 100% of its zinc as positively charged zinc ions. Zinc acetate lozenges have been shown to strongly support immune function.

2015

Life Extension introduced a formula providing concentrated pollen extracts specifically selected for effective prostate support, healthy urination patterns and prostate function. Two fractions in the flower pollen extracts, a water-soluble and a lipid-soluble fraction, support prostate health by helping maintain smooth muscle tone in the prostate, bladder, and urethra. For the first time, this European extract is available to Americans, providing a more potent dose in a convenient once-daily softgel.

Life Extension supported a study titled “Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a DYRK1A inhibitor, rescues cognitive deficits in Down syndrome mouse models and in humans,” which was the result of collaboration with researchers from Barcelona, Spain. The study, which showed EGCG as a promising therapeutic tool for cognitive enhancement in Down Syndrome, was published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.

Life Extension supported a study titled “High-Dose Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Children and Young Adults with HIV: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” which was the result of a collaboration with a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researcher. The study, which found that 7,000 IU of vitamin D3 improved immunological parameters in HIV-positive individuals, was published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

Life Extension co-funded research at the University of Liverpool to sequence the genome of the bowhead whale, a mammal whose nearly 200-year life span makes it the longest-living on earth. In findings published in the journal Cell Reports, the researchers discovered as many as 80 candidate genes related to DNA repair and cell proliferation that may help protect the whale from cancer or contribute to its inordinate longevity.

Life Extension highlighted the ancillary benefits of the angiotensin II receptor blocker medication telmisartan. Research has revealed that telmisartan, aside from effectively and safely lowering blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, enhances mitochondrial activity, and, in preclinical trials, helps control body weight.

Life Extension shed light on the lethal consequences of CoQ10 censorship by the FDA which has resulted in more American deaths than all the major wars combined. A recent study powerfully supported the use of CoQ10 for sufferers of congestive heart failure who combined the nutrient with standard therapy, achieving a 44% reduction in cardiovascular mortality compared to those receiving standard therapy alone.

Life Extension described the dangers of a common genetic mutation (MTHFR C677T) that contributes to elevated homocysteine in a substantial portion of the population and how an active form of folate — 5-methyltetrahydrofolate— may normalize homocysteine levels in people with this genetic defect.

Life Extension published meticulous comparison data describing the pros and cons of three newer anticoagulant drugs (Pradaxa®, Elliquis®, Xarelto®) and compared their effects to warfarin (Coumadin®).

Life Extension described Photodynamic Immunotherapy, a new outpatient therapy for breast cancer patients that provides a nontoxic alternative, allowing them to avoid surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Life Extension introduced an oral formula that targets dry eyes from the inside out for systemic continuous comfort.

Life Extension introduced a new approach to activate endothelial production of nitric oxide, which signals the smooth muscles to relax, inducing vasodilation to support healthy circulation. Clinical research showed an 18% improvement in flow mediated dilation, a direct marker of endothelial function.

A Life Extension funded study showed that melatonin reduced DNA instability from “jumping genes,” reducing the risk of cancer and aging-associated diseases — apparently by a mechanism independent of melatonin’s antioxidant effects.

A Stanford University School of Medicine study partly funded by Life Extension developed a method to assay gene expression in individual cells, as a step toward reducing aging of stem cells.

A Life Extension funded company developed compounds that restored blood flow in rats following two hours without blood flow, as a possible treatment for stroke in humans.

Life Extension Clinical Research, Inc. (LECR) completed two clinical trials presented as posters at the March 2015 Experimental Biology conference in Boston, MA.
- The first poster described a study in which a lipid-based formulation containing 5,000 IU vitamin D3 raised vitamin D blood levels 29% over 60 days. From baseline to day 30, mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels increased by 7.34 ng/mL; by day 60, the increase had risen to 13.1 ng/mL. These results were statistically significant when compared to the use of a powder-based formulation.
- The second poster presented a case series on the effect of bisphosphonate medication use on CoQ10 blood levels.

Life Extension coordinated the initial steps of the first clinical study to reverse aging in frail elderly humans by utilizing plasma youth factors derived from stem-cell mobilized young human donors.

Life Extension explained why it is critical for ischemic stroke patients to be rapidly treated at a comprehensive stroke center and receive advanced treatments to remove blood clots before permanent paralysis/death ensues. Life Extension provided a list of comprehensive stroke centers across the United States.

To help consumers achieve the maximum reduction in advanced glycation end products (AGEs), Life Extension published the number of AGEs per serving of over 500 different foods and drinks.

Life Extension reported that up to one-third of the 72 million CT scans performed in the United States annually are not only unnecessary but dangerous and that these CT scans led to the occurrence of 29,000 new cancer cases in 2007.

Life Extension reported on a 2015 discussion in the research community about initiating a human study of metformin’s anti-aging properties, which Life Extension readers have known about since 1995. The FDA has since approved a large-scale human study to test metformin’s longevity-enhancing benefits.

Life Extension reported in 2015 on a multistep process to provide the highest-quality Alaskan omega-3 fish oil products that reduce oxidation measurements more than five-fold and have earned a Five-Star Rating from the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS™) Program for purity.

Life Extension introduced a novel standardized wild green oat extract that has been shown to inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), promoting healthy dopamine levels for more youthful cognitive health and performance.

2016

Life Extension funding to 21st Century Medicine, Inc., has allowed that company to establish low-temperature banking of corneas (for blindness) and pancreatic islets (for type 1 diabetes).

Life Extension funding to Tulane Medical School researcher Dr. Victoria Belancio led to a patent application for an antibody against “jumping genes,” which have activity that can lead to cancer and aging.

Life Extension shed light once again on the price-gouging scandal behind generic drug costs that leave millions of Americans without access to affordable medications. A solution that could reduce generic drug costs by 90% was proposed.

At the April 2016 Experimental Biology conference in San Diego, California, Life Extension Clinical Research, Inc., presented results of a study that tested perispinal etanercept (Enbrel®) along with ancillary inflammation-suppressing therapies in the management of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Life Extension funded a super-centenarian project that provided valuable data for Harvard researcher Dr. George Church in his quest to reverse human aging.

Life Extension and others partnered to launch Age Reversal Therapeutics, Inc., a company aimed at funding groundbreaking age-reversal research.

Life Extension co-sponsored the Revolution Against Aging and Death Festival (RAADfest), billed as the world’s largest gathering of longevity enthusiasts. The three-day conference, devoted to increasing the availability of age-reversal technologies, featured presentations by 40 prominent scientists and activists, including Aubrey de Grey, Ray Kurzweil, and Suzanne Somers.

Life Extension and Insilico Medicine, Inc., announced an exclusive collaborative effort to identify novel biomarkers of human aging through the use of big data analytics and artificial intelligence, with the ultimate goal of nutrient formulation discovery to support health and longevity. This partnership led to the publication of a research paper describing applications of the human signaling pathway-centric GeroScope platform for scoring human tissue-specific geroprotective properties of compounds implicated in the aging of model organisms.

A team of researchers at the University of Rochester in New York that received funding from Life Extension found a chemical means of controlling DNA repair, a crucial process in healthy aging protocols and cancer treatment.

A team at the University of Southern California that was funded by Life Extension won an award for near-perfect preservation of brain tissue by a combination of aldehyde and cryopreservation.

Life Extension Clinical Research, Inc., assisted researchers from the University of Miami on a Life Extension-sponsored clinical trial involving treatment-resistant depression. Findings were published in 2016 in the peer-reviewed journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.

Life Extension Clinical Research, Inc., supported researchers from the City of Hope in securing study products for a clinical trial that was sponsored by Life Extension and involved patients with pancreatic cancer.

Life Extension introduced a unique formulation containing two scientifically studied ingredients that provide long-term support for the lining of the stomach and promote a healthy stomach environment.

Life Extension introduced a supplement formula that naturally supports the aging brain, by promoting youthful cognition through a healthy response to sugar in brain cells and by modulating the levels of amyloid beta and tau proteins in the brain.

Life Extension exposed flaws in the studies used to rationalize the FDA’s decision to add a black box warning label to prescription testosterone drugs.

Life Extension’s quarter-century advocacy of PSA blood screening to detect prostate cancer was reaffirmed by an analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine which discredited the study behind the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s 2012 recommendation against PSA blood screening for healthy men.

A study funded by Life Extension revealed that improved muscle regeneration in old mice from the sharing of blood between old and young mice was due to blood factors, not youthful organ function. Life Extension intends to initiate a study showing rejuvenation of elderly humans using blood factors from young humans.

2017

Collaborating with Insilico Medicine, Inc., Life Extension used deep-learning artificial intelligence to identify ingredients that help turn back the clock at the cellular level. The result: Ageless Cell™ — the first supplement in our breakthrough GEROPROTECT™ line — which helps rejuvenate near-senescent cells and encourages the body’s healthy process for dealing with senescent ones.

Life Extension introduced a supplement featuring beneficial farm fresh ingredients based on the Mediterranean Diet — one of the world’s healthiest eating styles — using an innovative water extract process that yields a pure, potent polyphenol and phytonutrient blend.

According to the Surgeon General, deep vein thrombosis may cause up to 180,000 deaths each year, with those who spend the most time sitting at the highest risk. In 2017, Life Extension reported that researchers had developed a nondrug approach for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis, utilizing two natural compounds that drastically reduce platelet aggregation and fibrin-induced clots.

Life Extension reported a new study from Johns Hopkins University, which showed that people who use proton pump inhibitor drugs are at increased risk of kidney disease. Further studies revealed that these heartburn drugs could increase risk of bone fractures and heart disease, leading Life Extension to examine natural approaches to relieve heartburn.

Life Extension exposed how generic drugs whose active ingredient costs only pennies are sold to desperate consumers for hundreds of dollars. The solution to this price gouging is to remove antiquated regulations that cause drugs to cost far more than they should.

Based on new data indicating that blood drawn 2 to 6 hours after a normal meal provides more realistic test results, and noting that blood tested in an artificial “fasting” state may not account for vital disease risk markers specific to an individual, Life Extension recommends against fasting prior to most blood tests. In December 2017, the Cleveland Clinic published a detailed report titled “Is it time to abandon fasting for routine lipid testing?” that supports this position.

In December 2017, Life Extension reported on innovative studies that showed astaxanthin has potential in cancer treatment. These initial findings offer hope that astaxanthin could play a significant role in combating some of the most common forms of cancer, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies such as leukemia.

In late 2017, a consortium of prominent cardiovascular health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, overhauled conventional thinking on high blood pressure by lowering the threshold for hypertension from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg and classifying blood pressure over 120/80 mmHg as “elevated.” This landmark change vindicated the position Life Extension has held since the 1980s — that blood pressure should be kept below 120/80 mmHg for optimal cardiovascular health in most people.

2018

In January 2018, Life Extension reported on controlled clinical trials that backed up previous studies showing that supplementation with coenzyme Q10, a nutrient involved in providing energy to heart-muscle cells, can mitigate symptoms and improve cardiac function in heart failure victims.

Life Extension reported in February 2018 on the growing evidence for the longevity-promoting effects of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+. Research showed that NAD+ beneficially enhances eight core cellular anti-aging mechanisms, helping fight such disorders as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis and possibly reversing age-induced deterioration.

In March 2018, Life Extension announced a deep-learning analysis driven by artificial intelligence and conducted by Insilico Medicine that identified withaferin A, gamma-linolenic acid, and ginsenoside Rg3 as compounds with the potential to mimic calorie restriction and fight back against the biological effects of aging.

In May 2018, a large, long-term study vindicated Life Extension’s position that finasteride reduces prostate cancer risk without promoting high-grade disease. The medical community had been concerned for some time that the drug might increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, but Life Extension rebutted these claims in 2013. The extensive 2018 study provides robust evidence supporting Life Extension’s long-held position.

In May 2018, the American Cancer Society issued new colorectal cancer screening guidelines echoing Life Extension’s long-standing recommendation that screening should begin earlier in life. Since the early 2000s, Life Extension has advocated starting screening as young as age 40. (The new ACS guidelines call for screening beginning at age 45 instead of 50.)