As another celebrity backed (this time David Beckham), high-priced, powdered blend hits the Singapore and global market, we thought to review the health claims of IM8's Daily Ultimate Longevity +Healthy Aging supplement. According to the website...
"Designed for cellular longevity, this powerful formula features Cell Rejuvenation Technology 8® and NAD3® Complex, targeting the key hallmarks of aging and boosting NAD levels.*
Anti-aging: Targets the key hallmarks of aging
Cellular Energy: Supports NAD+, renew cellular power
Brain & Heart Health: Supports cognitive sharpness & heart strength"
At a cost of S$3.93 (approx US$3.0) per serving and promoted to be used in conjunction with their daily Essentials formula, what does this product actually offer? We explore below...
As ever, please talk to your doctor or medical practitioner most familiar with your medical history before implementing any changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle, especially if you are under treatment. Links to relevant studies and resources at bottom of page.
Ingredients
This product can be bought and enjoyed by itself or as a 'stack' - consumed with IM8's Daily Essentials powder formula. For the most part, the powdered blend has a relatively standard list of ingredients that support energy metabolism and antioxidant defence.
Many of these ingredients are duplicated in the Essentials formulation (where there is a full daily dose) and are commonly available in other supplements:
Niacin (Cuprous Niacin): 0.8mg, 20mg, at 5% Daily Value; also in Essentials as Niacinamide 20mg, 125% Daily Value.
Vitamin B12: 24mg, 1667% Daily Value; also in Essentials, another 24mg at 1667% Daily Value.
Folate: 400mcg DFE, at 100% Daily Value; also in Essentials, another 400mcg DFE, at 100% Daily Value;
Selenium: 100mcg Selenomethionine, at 182% Daily Value; also in Essentials as at 70mcg -127% Daily Value.
Copper as Cuprous Niacin, 0.18mg at 20% Daily Value; Â in Essentials as Copper Citrate 1mg at 111% Daily Value.
NAD 3 Complex, 312mg in total (no individual values stated) including:
Theacrine, a caffeine-like alkaloid found in Camellia kucha tea, has been studied for its potential to enhance energy, focus and mood without the tolerance buildup seen with caffeine. Human studies suggest it may improve alertness and reduce fatigue but evidence on long-term efficacy and safety remains limited.
Clinical studies typically use 100–300 mg per day, with 200 mg being a common dose for cognitive and energy benefits.
Wasabia japonica (aka wasabi) contains bioactive compounds like isothiocyanates, which have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and gut health benefits in humans. While some small clinical studies suggest positive effects on detoxification and circulation, robust human trials confirming its long-term efficacy are still lacking.
Clinical studies typically use 100–500 mg per day, with doses around 250 mg daily being common for investigating metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.
DHA (omega-3) 200mg. Not found in Essentials. The omega-3 content in this supplement is underwhelming. With only 200 mg of DHA and no EPA, it falls well below the levels found in high-quality fish oil supplements. Research suggests at least 1 gram of combined EPA and DHA is necessary for meaningful cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits, making this product a weak choice for omega-3 supplementation.
Longevity Compounds
Trademarked as Cell Rejuvenation Technology 8, the blend contains 25mg of 'healthy ageing' / 'longevity' compounds, . These are specific to this product, not found in Essentials. Below we review typical doses - as used in studies - and summarise the strength of the evidence in humans. Note the quantities of each ingredient that have been used in most studies.
Fucoidan
Fucoidan is often promoted for immune and anti-inflammatory benefits but human evidence remains weak. Some small studies suggest potential benefits but large-scale clinical trials are lacking.
More concerning is the likely dosage, most studies use 300 mg to 1 g per day, while this supplement contains only 25 mg of combined longevity ingredients - making it doubtful that any individual ingredient is present in an effective amount
Berberine HCl
Berberine is one of the best researched ingredients in the formula, with robust human studies supporting its benefits for blood sugar control and metabolic health. However, effective doses range from 900–1,500 mg daily, normally divided into three doses.
If the berberine content in this supplement is only a fraction of the 25 mg total longevity blend, it is unlikely to provide meaningful effects.
Trans-Resveratrol
Resveratrol, once hyped as a breakthrough in longevity science, does have some clinical support for vascular health, insulin sensitivity and cognitive function. However, its poor bioavailability and inconsistent study results have diminished its reputation.
Typical doses range from 150–500 mg daily, while specific conditions like neurodegenerative diseases have been studied at 1–2 g per day. Again, given the overall dosage limitations of this supplement, its effectiveness is questionable.
Urolithin A
Urolithin A shows promise in improving mitochondrial function and muscle endurance in older adults. Human studies suggest benefits at 500–1,000 mg per day, yet this supplement certainly contains far less.
Spermidine HCl.
Often linked to longevity and cognitive health, Spermidine has weak to moderate human evidence. Some epidemiological studies associate higher dietary intake with longer lifespans but direct clinical trials are still limited.
Typical doses range from 1–6 mg per day, but without transparency on individual ingredient amounts, it is likely underdosed in this supplement.
Final Thoughts
So, will the supplement powder deliver healthy aging and longevity as stated on the label? For some of the common vitamin and minerals, if one has a deficiency then they will certainly support bringing balance to the diet.
The blend appears to have numerous ingredients that support healthy aging and longevity, the evidence for the most part is weak as is - certainly - the dose.
While the jury is still out on many of these supplements, with plenty of science in humans to be done, it is probably best to invest one's money elsewhere.
As a part of a wider conversation about health - addressing the pillars of health has to be included. Except in cases of genuine deficiency, supplements cannot make-up for poor health stemming from a sub-standard diet, lack of exercise, poor sleep, stress and work-life imbalance.
Improving health is about finding motivation, prioritising self-care and taking action. If you want to take effective and targeted steps that fit into your unique lifestyle, The Whole Health Practice is here to help. Whether your interest is healthspan and longevity, to beat chronic illness or to enhance your mental health and well-being, our consultations and programs deliver results that are tailored to your needs.
Our foundational Whole Health Consult identifies and prioritises the key factors - known and unknown - that affect health and wellbeing. It provides targeted recommendations tailored to you, the individual, and your unique lifestyle.
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
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Related Resources and Studies
Berberine
Ye Y, Liu X, Wu N, Han Y, Wang J, Yu Y, Chen Q. Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 26;12:653887. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.653887. PMID: 33981233; PMCID: PMC8107691.
Kuerec AH, Lim XK, Khoo AL, Sandalova E, Guan L, Feng L, Maier AB. Targeting aging with urolithin A in humans: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev. 2024 Sep;100:102406. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102406. Epub 2024 Jul 11. PMID: 39002645.
Fucoidan
Luthuli S, Wu S, Cheng Y, Zheng X, Wu M, Tong H. Therapeutic Effects of Fucoidan: A Review on Recent Studies. Mar Drugs. 2019 Aug 21;17(9):487. doi: 10.3390/md17090487. PMID: 31438588; PMCID: PMC6780838.
Spermidine HCl
Senekowitsch S, Wietkamp E, Grimm M, Schmelter F, Schick P, Kordowski A, Sina C, Otzen H, Weitschies W, Smollich M. High-Dose Spermidine Supplementation Does Not Increase Spermidine Levels in Blood Plasma and Saliva of Healthy Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pharmacokinetic and Metabolomic Study. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 12;15(8):1852. doi: 10.3390/nu15081852. PMID: 37111071; PMCID: PMC10143675.
Hofer, S.J., Daskalaki, I., Bergmann, M. et al. Spermidine is essential for fasting-mediated autophagy and longevity. Nat Cell Biol 26, 1571–1584 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-024-01468-x
Urolithin A
Kuerec AH, Lim XK, Khoo AL, Sandalova E, Guan L, Feng L, Maier AB. Targeting aging with urolithin A in humans: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev. 2024 Sep;100:102406. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102406. Epub 2024 Jul 11. PMID: 39002645.
Liu S, D'Amico D, Shankland E, Bhayana S, Garcia JM, Aebischer P, Rinsch C, Singh A, Marcinek DJ. Effect of Urolithin A Supplementation on Muscle Endurance and Mitochondrial Health in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Jan 4;5(1):e2144279. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279. PMID: 35050355; PMCID: PMC8777576.
Other
DÃaz-Lago M, Blanco F, Matute H. Expensive seems better: The price of a non-effective drug modulates its perceived efficacy. Cogn Res Princ Implic. 2023 Jan 26;8(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s41235-023-00463-4. PMID: 36700994; PMCID: PMC9879252.
Wierzejska RE. Dietary Supplements-For Whom? The Current State of Knowledge about the Health Effects of Selected Supplement Use. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Aug 24;18(17):8897. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18178897. PMID: 34501487; PMCID: PMC8431076.
Ronis MJJ, Pedersen KB, Watt J. Adverse Effects of Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2018 Jan 6;58:583-601. doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010617-052844. Epub 2017 Oct 6. PMID: 28992429; PMCID: PMC6380172.