Reducing inflammaging: What science says about effective interventions

By David Watumull, Co-founder and Chairman, Lokahi Longevity

The future of longevity medicine lies not in a single "magic bullet," but in a carefully curated combination of safe, scientifically validated interventions. Each compound has unique strengths, and a personalized approach ensures these strengths match your specific needs and biology.

In previous posts, we’ve explored inflammaging—the chronic, low-grade inflammation that silently contributes to aging and age-related diseases—and discussed how precise diagnostics can identify your personal inflammation profile. Today, I’d like to share the latest research on effective interventions, with particular emphasis on an extraordinary compound: astaxanthin.

Why traditional anti-inflammatories aren't the solution

When people first learn about inflammaging, they often ask, “Why can’t I just take ibuprofen or aspirin regularly?” The answer is straightforward: traditional anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids, while effective short-term, carry significant risks when used chronically.

Extended use of NSAIDs can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, increased heart attack and stroke risk, kidney damage, and even compromised immunity. Chronic corticosteroid use similarly introduces risks such as immune suppression, osteoporosis, and metabolic complications. Clearly, a safer long-term solution is needed to manage chronic inflammation effectively.

Astaxanthin: A powerful and safe anti-inflammatory

Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring compound, has emerged from decades of scientific research as a uniquely effective solution for managing inflammaging. It’s a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule originally produced by microalgae to protect themselves from environmental stress. Interestingly, it’s also what gives salmon and shrimp their characteristic red hue.

Why is astaxanthin exceptional? Its extraordinary antioxidant strength—approximately 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C, 550 times stronger than Vitamin E, and 800 times stronger than Coenzyme Q10—is just part of the story.

Proven longevity benefits: NIH’s rigorous research

Perhaps the most compelling evidence of astaxanthin’s potential in longevity comes from a groundbreaking study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), known as the Interventions Testing Program (ITP). This rigorous, gold-standard research found that astaxanthin supplementation significantly increased lifespan in animal models by 12%, and enhanced survival by more than 60%. These results, co-developed and studied by my team and published in the respected scientific journal Geroscience, offer credible evidence that astaxanthin profoundly influences aging pathways.

How astaxanthin safely targets inflammaging

Unlike typical anti-inflammatory drugs, astaxanthin reduces inflammation without suppressing necessary immune responses. It modulates key inflammatory pathways, notably decreasing harmful molecules like TNF-alpha, IL-6, CRP, and NF-kB. Human studies have demonstrated statistically significant reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress with astaxanthin supplementation, all without clinically meaningful side effects—even at high doses.

Its unique molecular structure allows it to integrate into cell membranes, protecting them from oxidative damage and inflammation, without interfering with normal cellular function. Simply put, astaxanthin uniquely provides anti-inflammatory benefits safely, making it ideal for long-term inflammaging management.

More promising longevity interventions

Beyond astaxanthin, emerging research points toward other promising agents for inflammaging management:

• Rapamycin: Proven to extend lifespan in multiple species by modulating cellular aging mechanisms and reducing inflammation.

• Metformin: Commonly known as a diabetes drug, metformin also exhibits anti-aging properties by lowering inflammation and improving metabolic health.

• Senolytics: A class of compounds designed to remove senescent (aged) cells, directly reducing the source of chronic inflammation.

• NAD+ boosters: Supplements like nicotinamide riboside that improve mitochondrial function, energy production, and cellular repair processes, indirectly combating inflammation.

At Lokahi Longevity, we carefully evaluate these options and personalize interventions based on each patient’s unique inflammaging profile, leveraging science to achieve the most beneficial outcomes.

Integrating interventions into a personalized plan

The future of longevity medicine lies not in a single "magic bullet," but in a carefully curated combination of safe, scientifically validated interventions. Each compound has unique strengths, and a personalized approach ensures these strengths match your specific needs and biology.

In my next and final post in this series, I’ll share practical strategies you can adopt immediately to manage inflammaging effectively—including nutrition, exercise, targeted supplementation, and mindset shifts—based on the same rigorous science we rely on at Lokahi Longevity.

Stay tuned and stay proactive—your longevity journey is within your control.