PREVIEW Aliquot #106: The Science of Longevity Vitamins: Taurine, Ergothioneine, and PQQ

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Vitamins are substances that our bodies need to develop and function normally. When considering vitamins, we tend to think of the usual suspects – A, C, D, E, and K, plus the eight B vitamins. However, the body produces many molecules that fit the description of a vitamin, driving physiological processes from infancy through later life. Some of these molecules might even be considered longevity "vitamins" – substances that extend healthspan and promote a longer life. In this Aliquot, I talk about three substances that may act as longevity vitamins – taurine, ergothioneine, and PQQ. This episode includes several key discussion points:

• (03:09) Is taurine the key to Okinawan's long lifespans?
• (04:49) How taurine promotes mitochondrial health
• (06:05) How taurine deficiency impacts muscle mass
• (06:41) Does supplementing the age-related decline boost longevity?
• (08:58) Okinawa's High Intake vs. Japanese in Brazil
• (10:01) Blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose levels
• (13:07) The role of ergothioneine in shielding membranes from oxidative damage
• (15:14) How ergothioneine's unique lipophilic properties protect mitochondria
• (19:18) Why some people transport ergothioneine better than others
• (20:17) Whether to get ergothioneine from foods or supplements
• (24:18) Is ergothioneine destroyed by cooking?
• (25:02) The unusual antioxidant power of PQQ
• (26:21) The role of PQQ in the brain
• (29:12) PQQ's impact on NAD and sirtuin levels?
• (30:37) Does PQQ blunt the positive effects of exercise?

For a deeper foray into this special topic, I highly recommend reading Dr. Bruce Ames' seminal paper, Prolonging healthy aging: longevity vitamins and proteins, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This open-access article explores a range of compounds, including taurine, PQQ, and ergothioneine, which Dr. Ames identifies as potential longevity vitamins. The study provides valuable insights into how these vitamins and proteins could contribute to extending healthy lifespan. This episode features segments taken from several Q&As with Dr. Rhonda Patrick. You may view these episodes and their show notes here:

• Q&A #7 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (1/4/20)
• Q&A #12 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (6/6/20)
• Q&A #44 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (2/4/23)
• Q&A #50 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (8/5/23)
• Q&A #53 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (11/4/23)
• Q&A #54 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (12/2/23)