Longevity Glossary

112 terms covering supplements, peptides, GLP-1 drugs, and biomarkers — each with mechanism of action, evidence quality, dosing context for India, and links to related tests. Use this as your reference before and after your labs.

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Biomarkers

ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)

One particle, one ApoB — the definitive atherogenic particle count test. Why Peter Attia and most longevity physicians prefer it over LDL-C.

Cortisol (Morning)

The morning serum vs salivary diurnal curve, what high/low patterns mean, and which adaptogens have the most evidence for normalization.

The adrenal "youth hormone" that declines with age. Testing DHEA-S before supplementing DHEA, and the testosterone conversion pathway.

Estradiol (E2) in Men

The often-ignored male hormone — too low causes joint pain and low libido, too high causes gynecomastia. Optimal balance with testosterone.

Fasting Insulin

The earliest insulin resistance signal — often elevated years before HbA1c moves. Optimal range vs lab reference ranges.

Iron storage proxy — but also an acute phase reactant. Low ferritin causes, optimal range (70–150), and supplement response timeline.

Free Testosterone

The bioavailable fraction — what SHBG does to total testosterone, and why two men with the same total T can feel completely different.

3-month average blood glucose. The difference between "normal," "optimal," and "longevity target" — and what to do at each level.

Cardiovascular and cognitive risk marker linked to B12, folate, and methylation status. Optimal target and the MTHFR connection.

hsCRP (High-Sensitivity CRP)

Systemic inflammation proxy. Optimal target under 0.5 mg/L, what drives it up, and which supplements reliably move it down.

Growth hormone proxy and the longevity paradox — high IGF-1 builds muscle but may accelerate aging. Optimal range for the healthspan tradeoff.

LDL Cholesterol

Particle count vs concentration, why LDL-C is an imperfect metric, and the case for ApoB as the primary cardiovascular risk marker.

Lp(a) — Lipoprotein(a)

Genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor. Why you need to know your number, and the limited but real interventions available.

Red blood cell EPA+DHA percentage — the only meaningful way to track omega-3 status. Optimal target above 8%, most people test below 4%.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

The protein that binds testosterone and makes it unavailable. High SHBG causes, lifestyle interventions, and why it must be tested alongside testosterone.

Testosterone (Total)

Why "in range" isn't the same as "optimal" — the case for targeting 600–800 ng/dL and the lifestyle levers that move it.

Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

Why TSH alone misses subclinical hypothyroidism. The full panel, optimal ranges vs lab normals, and the selenium/iodine connection.

Beyond gout — uric acid as a metabolic syndrome marker and longevity signal. Optimal target under 5.5 mg/dL and dietary drivers.

Vitamin D (25-OH)

The most common deficiency in urban India despite sun exposure. Optimal target (50–70 ng/mL), supplementation protocol, and retest timing.

Supplements — Core Stack

Ashwagandha (KSM-66)

Adaptogen for cortisol, testosterone, and stress resilience. KSM-66 vs Sensoril extracts, and what the RCTs actually show.

Blood sugar regulation via AMPK activation, often compared to metformin. Evidence, dosing, and India-specific context.

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)

Mitochondrial electron transport and antioxidant. Why ubiquinol outperforms ubiquinone after age 40, and statin interactions.

Creatine Monohydrate

Most evidence-backed supplement for muscle, cognition, and cellular energy. Loading vs maintenance, and the case for women and older adults.

Curcumin (BCM-95)

Anti-inflammatory via NF-kB inhibition. The bioavailability problem, BCM-95 vs piperine formulations, and hsCRP impact.

Iron Bisglycinate

The form of iron that doesn't cause constipation. Dosing for low ferritin, absorption timing, and when to retest.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation via hericenones and erinacines. Cognitive enhancement evidence and India sourcing.

Magnesium Glycinate

The most bioavailable form for sleep, muscle function, and anxiety. Why glycinate beats oxide, and optimal dosing windows.

Sleep onset, not duration. The case for 0.3–0.5mg over high-dose 5–10mg, and melatonin's role as a mitochondrial antioxidant.

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Glutathione precursor for liver support, respiratory health, and oxidative stress. Dosing, cycling, and contraindications.

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

NAD+ precursor for mitochondrial energy and DNA repair. Dosing, NMN vs NR comparison, and availability in India.

NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)

Alternative NAD+ precursor, the NIAGEN form. How it compares to NMN and which studies are most relevant to longevity.

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Triglyceride form vs ethyl ester, EPA:DHA ratio for cardiovascular vs anti-inflammatory goals, best brands in India.

Strain-specific guide — Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, spore-based. What each does and how to choose based on your goals.

Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-7)

The co-administration case: D3 raises calcium absorption, K2 directs it to bone not arteries. Dosing for India's endemic deficiency.

Zinc Bisglycinate

Testosterone synthesis, immune function, and wound healing. Bisglycinate vs picolinate, and zinc's connection to your test results.

Peptides — Established Research

HGH fragment (176–191) that retains fat-burning properties without IGF-1 stimulation. The "HGH diet peptide" evidence reviewed.

Body Protective Compound — gut healing, tendon repair, and systemic anti-inflammatory effects. Oral vs injectable, India legality.

Long-acting GHRH analogue (with or without DAC). How DAC extends half-life, the ipamorelin combination rationale, and pulsatile vs sustained release.

Epithalon (Epitalon)

Tetrapeptide from the pineal gland linked to telomere lengthening and sleep improvement. Khavinson's research and current evidence quality.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

Collagen synthesis, wound healing, and the tripeptide that activates over 4,000 genes. Topical vs injectable use and skin aging applications.

Potent GH secretagogue with cardioprotective properties beyond growth hormone. Comparison with GHRP-6 and ipamorelin.

Selective GH secretagogue with minimal cortisol and prolactin bleed. The CJC-1295 stack, sleep dosing, and IGF-1 monitoring.

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Central melanocortin receptor agonist for sexual dysfunction — works via CNS, not vasodilation. FDA-approved for women, off-label for men.

Anxiolytic nootropic peptide developed in Russia. GABA modulation without dependence, nasal spray administration, and comparison with Semax.

GHRH analogue that stimulates pituitary growth hormone release — a physiological approach vs exogenous HGH. IGF-1 response tracking.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

Synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 for injury recovery, muscle healing, and anti-fibrotic effects. Injection protocol and India sourcing.

GLP-1 & Metabolic Drugs — highest search volume India 2026

Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

Weekly GLP-1 agonist injection for type 2 diabetes. Good tolerability profile, available in India.

GLP-1 Agonists — Overview

How the entire class works, comparison table of all agents (semaglutide vs tirzepatide vs liraglutide), and what to test before starting.

Liraglutide (Victoza)

Daily GLP-1 injection, the predecessor to semaglutide. Still widely prescribed in India for diabetes and weight management.

Eli Lilly's tirzepatide brand launched India March 2025. Price, dosing, and comparison with Ozempic and Wegovy.

Natural GLP-1 Supplements

Compounds like berberine, inositol, and fibre that stimulate GLP-1 pathways without prescription — evidence quality and realistic expectations.

Nutrients & Supplements on GLP-1 Drugs

What to eat and supplement when on semaglutide or tirzepatide — protein targets, B12, magnesium, and muscle preservation protocols.

Novo Nordisk's weekly semaglutide injection for type 2 diabetes, widely used off-label for weight loss. India price, availability, and how it works.

Ozempic Side Effects

Nausea, muscle loss, gallbladder risk, and the "Ozempic face" — what's real, what's overstated, and how to manage each.

Eli Lilly's triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) showing 28.7% weight loss in Phase 3 — the most potent in class, pending approval.

The active compound in Ozempic and Wegovy. GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss and type 2 diabetes — now available as generic in India from March 2026.

Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist (Mounjaro/Zepbound) achieving 21–22% average weight loss — outperforms semaglutide in head-to-head trials.

Higher-dose semaglutide pen approved specifically for chronic weight management. Launched in India June 2025.

Supplements — Longevity Advanced Stack

Direct serotonin precursor. Mood, sleep latency, and appetite — with the carbidopa interaction warning and cycling protocol.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Mitochondrial fatty acid transport with cognitive effects. How it differs from plain L-carnitine and the ALCAR + ALA stack.

Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)

TCA cycle intermediate linked to longevity via epigenetic regulation. Calcium AKG form, the Nature Metabolism study, and India brands.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (R-ALA)

Universal antioxidant active in both water and fat-soluble compartments. R-ALA vs racemic mix, neuropathy applications, and glucose metabolism.

CD38 inhibitor that protects NAD+ from degradation. The NMN stack rationale, chamomile dosing, and pure apigenin supplements.

The strongest natural antioxidant by singlet oxygen quenching capacity. Skin protection, eye health, and mitochondrial benefits.

B Complex (Methylated)

Why methylated B vitamins matter — B6 as P5P, B12 as methylcobalamin, folate as 5-MTHF. The complete methylation support stack.

Bacopa Monnieri

Memory consolidation via acetylcholine modulation. The 12-week timeline, BacoMind extract, and comparison with Lion's Mane.

Popular

Berberine vs Metformin

Direct comparison — mechanism, HbA1c impact, gut microbiome effects, and who each is right for in the Indian context.

Trace mineral for testosterone bioavailability, bone density, and vitamin D metabolism. Often missing from standard supplement stacks.

Citrulline Malate

Arginine's superior precursor for nitric oxide and performance. L-citrulline vs citrulline malate, and cardiovascular benefits beyond the gym.

Collagen Peptides

Type I and III hydrolyzed collagen for joints, skin, and gut lining. Timing, vitamin C co-ingestion, and which biomarkers respond.

VO2 max, ATP synthesis, and adaptogenic oxygen utilization. CS-4 strain vs Cs militaris, and the caffeine-free energy mechanism.

Fadogia Agrestis

LH-mimicking testosterone support — popularized by Huberman. Current safety concerns, testicular toxicity data in animals, and what's missing.

Senolytic — clears senescent ("zombie") cells. Protocol dosing (intermittent high-dose), evidence quality, India availability.

The blood-brain barrier debate settled: PharmaGABA vs synthetic, and why some people feel it even if it shouldn't "work."

Glucosamine + Chondroitin

Joint cartilage precursors. Sulfate forms, MSM stacking, and what imaging studies show about long-term use.

Hyaluronic Acid (Oral)

Joint lubrication and skin hydration via oral HA. What the clinical trials show vs topical application, and molecular weight matters.

Endemic deficiency across inland India. Thyroid hormone synthesis, iodine + selenium balance, and how to interpret TSH alongside iodine status.

Gut epithelium integrity, post-exercise recovery, and leaky gut protocols. Dosing after extended fasting or GLP-1 use.

Alpha wave promotion and the caffeine synergy stack. Anxiety reduction without sedation — the most underrated daily supplement.

Lithium Orotate (Low Dose)

Neuroprotection and BDNF support at 1–5mg — completely different profile from psychiatric lithium. Population epidemiology and mechanism.

Methylcobalamin (B12)

The active form of B12. Critical for vegetarians in India — why methylcobalamin beats cyanocobalamin, and injection vs sublingual.

Methylfolate (5-MTHF)

Active folate for MTHFR gene variants. Why folic acid may not work for 40% of people, and homocysteine's link to methylation.

Insulin sensitizer with strong PCOS evidence. Myo vs D-chiro inositol ratio, and connection to fasting insulin levels.

Popular

NAD+ IV Infusion

Intravenous NAD+ therapy — cost in Mumbai/Delhi, what it does vs oral NMN/NR, and who genuinely benefits vs who's paying for the placebo effect.

Phosphatidylserine

Brain cell membrane phospholipid for memory and cortisol blunting. Sharp-PS sunflower form vs soy-derived.

Senolytic and anti-inflammatory. Often paired with dasatinib in research, stacked with bromelain for absorption in supplemental context.

Reishi Mushroom

Immune modulation, stress resilience, and the triterpene content that differentiates quality extracts. Sleep onset effects.

Sirtuin activator. Trans-resveratrol bioavailability problem, NMN stacking rationale, and what the human trials actually show.

Adaptogen for fatigue, cortisol resilience, and cognitive performance. Salidroside vs rosavin standardization explained.

Saffron (Affron)

Mood and depression — the Affron extract with 3 RCTs showing effects comparable to low-dose SSRIs. India pricing and adulteration risks.

Thyroid hormone conversion, glutathione peroxidase activity. Selenomethionine vs selenite, and the narrow therapeutic window.

Fulvic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones, and testosterone support. Quality grading for Indian market (Himalayan vs adulterated), and what the studies show.

Autophagy activator found in wheat germ. One of the most compelling longevity compounds — mechanism and dosing evidence.

Spirulina & Chlorella

Microalgae for heavy metal chelation, immune support, and nutrient density. Differences between the two and sourcing quality in India.

The 2023 Science study linking taurine decline to aging. Dosing, safety, and what to test to know if you're deficient.

TMG (Trimethylglycine)

Methyl donor for homocysteine reduction and NMN efficacy. Why TMG is often co-recommended with NMN supplementation.

Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)

The superior vitamin E fraction — gamma-tocotrienol's cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects vs standard tocopherols.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia)

LH/FSH stimulation for natural testosterone support. LJ100 extract standardization, comparison with ashwagandha, and SHBG effects.

Vitamin C (High Dose)

Collagen synthesis, immune function, and the liposomal vs ascorbic acid absorption debate. Dosing up to bowel tolerance.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

Carboxylates osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein to prevent arterial calcification. MK-7 vs MK-4 half-life explained.

Peptides — Advanced & Emerging

NNMT inhibitor that shifts cell metabolism toward fat oxidation. Preclinical fat loss data, comparison with semaglutide, and what's missing.

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)

Neuropeptide modulating slow-wave sleep and cortisol rhythm. How it differs from melatonin and its stress-response interaction.

More potent than GHRP-6 with less hunger side effect. IGF-1 response, cortisol bleed considerations, and where it fits vs second-generation peptides.

First-generation growth hormone releasing peptide. Strong hunger stimulation (ghrelin agonism), GH pulse, and comparison with cleaner ipamorelin.

Mitochondrial microprotein with cytoprotective and IGF-1-binding properties. The centenarian research and what it suggests about longevity signaling.

Hypothalamic peptide controlling LH/FSH pulse — the upstream regulator of reproductive hormones. Fertility and testosterone axis applications.

LL-37 (Cathelicidin)

Human antimicrobial peptide for wound healing and immune defense. Current research stage and topical vs systemic applications.

Mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK for metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity. The USC longevity research and current status.

BDNF-upregulating nootropic peptide developed in Russia. Cognitive enhancement, neuroplasticity, nasal administration, and comparison with Selank.

ERR agonist exercise mimetic — activates the transcriptional program of endurance training without movement. Preclinical data and context.

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Mitochondria-targeted peptide that protects cardiolipin. Heart failure applications and the mitochondrial aging hypothesis it supports.

Thymosin Alpha-1

Immune-modulating peptide approved in 35+ countries. T-cell function, approved hepatitis applications, and the longevity immune support argument.