Grandmother’s Quest for “Fountain of Youth” Through Supplements Leads to Severe Side Effects
In late 2022, Theresa Skrobanek, a 57-year-old grandmother, delved into the world of “longevity” supplements in hopes of extending her lifespan and avoiding age-related illnesses. However, by April 2023, she found herself experiencing severe side effects from the numerous capsules she was taking.
Skrobanek’s supplement regime included medications not intended for her specific conditions, such as Metformin, typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, and over-the-counter substances like nicotinamide mononucleotide. Despite promises of increased energy and reduced signs of aging, Skrobanek only felt fatigued and suffered from headaches while taking these supplements.
The trend of “biohacking” and the pursuit of eternal youth has gained popularity among high-profile individuals, including tech billionaire Bryan Johnson. Johnson spends $2 million annually on experimental procedures and consumes 100 supplements per day.
However, experts warn against blindly following trends and emphasize the importance of research and personalized health assessments. Joe Cohen, a biotech CEO, advises against taking excessive amounts of supplements without understanding their benefits and potential risks.
The biohacking movement, which has garnered millions of views on social media platforms like TikTok, encourages extreme measures such as blood transfusions and stem cell infusions. While some individuals have reported positive experiences, there is limited scientific evidence to support these procedures.
Cohen recommends individuals undergo thorough blood tests and research supplements extensively before incorporating them into their routines. Rather than aiming for extreme lifespans, he emphasizes the importance of improving healthspan, the period of life spent in good health.
While some individuals may find benefits from supplements, registered dietitian Diana Rodriguez suggests focusing on a nutrient-rich diet as the first approach to maintaining long-term health. Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals can have significant benefits in preventing age-related diseases.
Skrobanek eventually abandoned the supplement regimen and shifted her focus to organic whole foods. She has since experienced improved well-being and believes that a shorter but higher-quality life is more valuable than relying on potentially harmful supplements.