Why This Matters to Us
As advocates for longevity, we know that aging is the biggest risk factor for diseases and declining health. Research like this is valuable as it opens doors to non-invasive, lifestyle-based strategies to enhance healthspan. Nutraceuticals, dietary supplements designed to improve cellular functions or slow aging, could complement exercise, mindfulness, and traditional medicine. The Cel System study brings hope that combining key ingredients into an optimised formula might help prevent age-related decline. By understanding its effects on biomarkers like epigenetic clocks, the path toward effective interventions becomes clearer.
The Detail
This study, conducted by researchers at TruDiagnostic Inc. and partners, set out to investigate the Cel System nutraceutical range by SRW Laboratories. These supplements contained natural compounds like 2-HOBA (Hobamine™), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), astragalosides, and rutin, all of which are believed to target cellular aging pathways. The researchers hypothesise that targeting the 12 hallmarks of aging, such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and telomere shortening, can slow biological aging.
Study Design
The trial involved 51 participants (aged 54-84) over 12 months. They took the Cel System supplements daily and were encouraged to incorporate a simple routine of 10 minutes of walking plus 5 minutes of mindfulness as part of a holistic intervention. Measurements were taken at four intervals—baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months—to track changes in biological age, body composition, inflammatory markers, and physical performance. The researchers utilised cutting-edge epigenetic clocks, such as Horvath’s multi-tissue clock and DunedinPACE, to measure biological aging.
Key Outcomes
1. Improved Biological Age Markers
Participants experienced notable decreases in their biological age as measured by several epigenetic clocks. For instance:
- The OMICmAge clock showed epigenetic age reductions averaging 2.30 years.
- The DunedinPACE clock, which tracks the pace of aging, reflected slower biological decline over the study.
These results indicate that the supplements may influence molecular processes linked to aging, like DNA methylation patterns and stem cell repair.
2. Gains in Muscle Strength and Body Composition
The Cel System was particularly impactful in improving muscle strength and body function:
- Chair-stand strength tests and grip strength scores improved significantly by 12 months.
- Body weight, BMI, and waist circumference showed reductions, suggesting improved metabolism and fat management.
However, some fitness metrics, such as flexibility exercises, showed only mild or stagnating progress.
3. Limited Inflammatory Benefits
The nutraceutical had mixed results for systemic inflammation. Levels of key inflammation markers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), fluctuated but didn’t consistently decline. Yet, immune health improvements were seen with better balance among critical immune cell types (e.g., increases in CD8 T-cells).
4. DNA and Cellular Adaptations
The supplements contributed to hundreds of DNA methylation changes. Over 1,655 CpG sites—specific regions of DNA associated with regulating genes—showed differences between the start and end of the study. These genetic changes are thought to:
- Reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage in vital tissues.
- Promote better collagen synthesis, helping body structure and skin aging.
Why These Results Matter
Cumulative molecular aging slowed. Ingredients like NMN (a precursor to NAD+), rutin, and astragalosides appear to protect cells from damage caused by oxidation and inflammation. Lower biological age opens the door to potentially reducing risks linked to cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and diabetes.
Additionally, the synergy of three supplement formulas—Cel1, Cel2, and Cel3—could explain the trial's far-reaching benefits. Each formulation targeted mechanisms such as telomere repair, stem cell function, and metabolic balance, all vital for longevity.
Study Limitations
While the results hold promise, several limitations temper the conclusions:
- No placebo group: Without a control group, it’s challenging to exclude the influence of lifestyle changes.
- Samples were relatively small and may not represent diverse populations.
- Effects appeared inconsistent between metrics. For example, inflammation benefits were significant only for select immune cells.
Nonetheless, these findings are a positive step, especially since participants were already “biologically younger” compared to population norms. A future trial with randomised controls and a larger cohort could clarify the Cel System’s full potential.
Final Takeaway
The Cel System nutraceutical range presents compelling evidence for reversing biological age while improving muscle strength and metabolic function. By targeting aging at multiple molecular levels, it exemplifies the potential of scientifically designed supplementation in extending healthspan. While further research is needed, this study highlights a viable option to enhance longevity alongside simple lifestyle interventions like walking and mindfulness. For those invested in living longer, healthier lives, this research underscores a promising path forward.
📖 Explore the full study here: Read the study