Page 29 - FoodFocusThailand No.245 September 2026

SPECIAL
SPECIAL FOCUS FOCUS

FOODS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

FOR LONGEVITY:

FROM BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS TO

COMMERCIAL FOOD INNOVATION OPPORTUNITIES

Food products marketed around “anti-ageing,” “cellular health,” and “longevity” are now widespread,
appearing as beverages, snacks, and dietary supplements, and the category continues to expand. Before
embracing promises of “reversing ageing,” however, it is important to understand the underlying principles
and scientific evidence.

The true goal is not merely a long lifespan, (1) Metabolism and Blood Sugar: When energy intake persistently
but a life stage in which one remains strong, exceeds requirements alongside low physical activity, the body gradually
mobile, mentally sharp, and able to care for develops insulin resistance, accumulates fat, and enters a state of chronic
oneself. This concept is commonly described inflammation. An evidence-based approach does not rely on a single active
as healthspan—the years lived in good health. compound, but rather on sound nutritional fundamentals: dietary fiber, whole
Two people may both live to 85, yet one may grains, slowly digested carbohydrates, and adequate protein. A clear food-
depend on others for the final decade while the science example is oat beta-glucan. A meta-analysis of 28 randomized
other remains independent until near the end. controlled trials found that at least 3 grams per day reduced LDL cholesterol
Good longevity foods therefore should not aim by an average of 0.25 mmol/L, or about 6% (Whitehead et al., 2014).
only to add years to life, but also to preserve (2) Mitochondrial Efficiency: Mitochondria act as the cell’s power plants;
the quality of those years. with age, their capacity to generate energy and maintain cellular quality
control declines. The notion that “more antioxidants are always better” is
Bodily Decline Occurs Across not necessarily correct, because reactive oxygen species at appropriate
Multiple Systems Simultaneously levels still serve as signals the body requires. The goal should therefore be
Ageing does not result from a single mechanism, “balance” rather than complete elimination. Urolithin A, produced when gut
but rather from cumulative changes occurring microbes transform ellagitannins found in pomegranates and walnuts, is
across multiple systems of the body. Focusing attracting attention. However, human evidence remains limited and further
on the aspects that can be influenced by diet, study is needed. Communicating such limitations candidly is a value the
these can be summarized into five key areas. food sector should uphold.

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