Dr. Peter Attia: Supplements for Longevity & Their Efficacy

You know what fascinates me most about conversations with brilliant physicians like Dr. Peter Attia? It's watching someone completely comfortable with saying "we don't know yet" when the evidence isn't there. And that's exactly what happened when Andrew Huberman sat down with him to discuss one of the most talked-about topics in longevity: NAD supplements. What are we actually buying when we purchase these expensive bottles?

The discussion dives deep into the NAD pathway—those molecules you've probably heard about: NAD, NMN, and NR. Yes, they're crucial for cellular energy production and DNA repair. The theory sounds compelling, doesn't it? But here's where Dr. Attia's clinical experience shines through: despite all the theoretical benefits, current human studies simply don't provide clear evidence that supplementing with these molecules actually enhances our healthspan or lifespan. This isn't about crushing anyone's supplement hopes. It's about something far more valuable—critical thinking.

I've spent years watching people chase the latest longevity supplement whilst ignoring the fundamentals that we know work. And that's precisely what this conversation addresses. Dr. Attia doesn't mince words: those foundational lifestyle behaviours—regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep—these play a substantially more significant role in extending healthspan than our current supplementation strategies. The episode also explores some fascinating tangents: the limitations of those biological age tests everyone's talking about, radiation exposure, cancer risk. But throughout, there's this consistent thread of evidence-based thinking.

What I find most refreshing? This isn't about completely dismissing supplements. It's about approaching them with the same rigour we'd apply to any health intervention. Because when it comes to longevity, the most powerful tools might just be the ones we already have.