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The guys over at bbc obviously over did it, and got it wrong. Nutrients/supplements that fight free radicals and target the mitochondria should in theory reduce the likelyhood of mitochondrial mutations occuring. Even with normal maintainance/repair mechanisms in place the mutations will still take hold and accumulate only at a lower rate, this would seem to be even more so for extremely long lived organisms(more time for errors to accumulate).
Such supplements/nutrients should increase lifespan and extend healthspan... and it does seem like such is the case, at least in some studies done in animals.
Other nutrients/supplements and diet modifications, can help extend lifespan by decreasing the likelyhood of getting cardiovascular disease, of cancer, avoiding nutrient/mineral defficiencies, maintaining a healthy weight, etc.
Though when supplementing, one ought to be VERY VERY CAREFUL. From what I hear the supplement market(at least in the USA) is full of products that don't have the quality, the quantity, and some times not even the substance indicated, and as such there are things that go from uneffective to even harmful.
But as said by many(including here), supplements/nutrients/diets can at most only seemingly help square the survival curve. It doesn't seem like maximum lifespan will be extended significantly by such. But increasing the likelyhood of survival and delaying the ravages of old age in this day and age, is without a doubt something that could allow one to see the time when the disease of aging is finally cured.
[Posted by: Apocalypse at July 19, 2005 12:36 PM]
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