As the quest for longevity and optimal health continues, more and more people are turning to nutritional supplements for an extra edge. One of the most established and popular brands in this space is Life Extension.
Founded over 40 years ago, Life Extension has been a pioneer in the development of science-based supplements designed to promote healthy aging and extended lifespan. But with so many products and bold claims, it can be difficult to determine if Life Extension truly delivers results.
In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at Life Extension – from its top products and ingredients to customer experiences and company policies. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to decide if Life Extension‘s supplements are the right choice for your health and longevity goals.
What Is Life Extension?
Life Extension is a dietary supplement brand that has been around since the early 1980s. The company was founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida by William Faloon and Saul Kent, two advocates of anti-aging medicine and nutritional science.
The overarching mission of Life Extension is to help people live longer, healthier lives through a combination of nutritional supplements, educational content, and support for scientific research into aging and age-related diseases. The company cites a "commitment to uncovering new scientific data and developing science-based health-promoting formulations" as core to its operations.
Life Extension offers a huge range of supplements targeting various aspects of health – from heart, brain and immune support to weight management, sleep, and sexual wellness. Many of these products contain novel ingredients or enhanced formulations compared to standard supplements. The company also publishes a monthly magazine, Life Extension Magazine, which features the latest research and insights relating to extending the healthy human lifespan.
While Life Extension makes some bold claims about its products (anti-aging is still an emerging science), the company seems to put a strong emphasis on scientific backing and transparency. They follow pharmaceutical-grade Good Manufacturing Practices and many products are non-GMO, gluten-free and undergo third-party testing. Life Extension also offers a 365-day return policy on all its supplements.
That said, as with any supplements, individual results may vary and these products are intended to support a healthy lifestyle, not necessarily replace professional medical guidance and treatment. Let‘s take a closer look at some of Life Extension‘s most popular supplements.
Top Life Extension Supplement Reviews
Life Extension Mix™ Capsules
One of Life Extension‘s signature and bestselling products is its Life Extension Mix – a comprehensive multivitamin and multi-nutrient formula designed to fill "common nutritional gaps in the average diet". The product aims to provide a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, alongside plant extracts, amino acids and other nutrients linked to healthy aging.
Each serving of Life Extension Mix contains 315 milligrams of vitamin C, 250 milligrams of niacin, 325 milligrams of calcium and 8 milligrams of lycopene among many other active ingredients. The formula notably includes generous doses of quercetin, plant sterols, and fat-soluble vitamins compared to many multivitamin products.
The benefits claimed for this supplement are quite expansive – everything from providing antioxidant, DNA and cellular membrane support to promoting healthy blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism and more. Many of the ingredients have indeed been linked to such benefits in scientific research, though more studies are needed to confirm their effects in supplement form and in combination.
Customers seem largely satisfied with Life Extension Mix, giving it an average 4.6 out of 5 star rating. Many reviewers report increased energy, improved lab markers, and an overall sense of wellbeing with regular use. The most common complaint is the large size of the capsules, with some wishing for a one-per-day formula.
Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA Fish Oil
Another top seller from Life Extension is its Super Omega-3 fish oil supplement. Each 2-softgel serving provides 1400 milligrams of EPA and DHA – the two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil that have been extensively studied for their heart, brain, eye and joint health benefits.
The standout feature of Life Extension‘s fish oil is its high concentration of omega-3s delivered in a relatively small serving size. Many other brands require 4-6 large capsules to achieve a similar potency. Life Extension also notes that the oil is sourced from sustainably harvested Alaska Pollock, concentrated for purity, and tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants like mercury.
In terms of research-backed benefits, EPA and DHA have been shown to support healthy triglyceride levels, blood pressure, cognitive function, and more. They are often recommended by health professionals to help fill the common omega-3 gap in Western diets.
Life Extension‘s fish oil receives a 4.5 average star rating from customers, with many praising its potency and lack of a fishy aftertaste. A few reviewers experienced digestive discomfort, but this seems to be a minority and may depend on individual tolerance.
DHEA 25mg Capsules
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone naturally produced by the body‘s adrenal glands. It acts as a precursor to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen and tends to decline with age. Some studies suggest that supplemental DHEA may help support healthy aging, though more research is needed to confirm its effects and safety.
Life Extension offers DHEA capsules in a 25mg dose, which is considered a low-to-moderate amount and in line with what has been safely used in most clinical trials. The company suggests that its DHEA may promote healthy body composition, libido, moods, and overall wellbeing.
Customer reviews for Life Extension‘s DHEA are mixed. Some users report increased energy and muscle mass, while others experienced no noticeable effects. A few noted mild side effects like acne or irritability. As with any hormone-related supplement, it‘s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting DHEA to ensure safety and proper dosage.
Mega Green Tea Extract
This supplement provides a standardized dose of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a potent antioxidant polyphenol found naturally in green tea. Each capsule contains 725mg of green tea extract, standardized to 98% polyphenols and 45% EGCG.
Green tea and its extracts have been widely studied for potential benefits related to heart health, brain function, weight management, and more. Many of these effects are attributed to EGCG‘s ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. However, more research is needed to establish its ideal dosage and long-term safety.
Life Extension suggests that its Mega Green Tea Extract may help promote healthy DNA, normal cell division, and overall health and longevity when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. The product receives largely positive reviews, with an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from customers. Some users report increased energy and focus, though individual results may vary.
Super Ubiquinol CoQ10 with PQQ
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant nutrient that plays a key role in energy production within the body‘s cells. The body produces CoQ10 naturally, but levels tend to decline with age and may be depleted by certain medications. PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is another antioxidant compound that has been studied for its potential to support heart health and cognitive function.
Life Extension‘s CoQ10 supplement provides 100mg of ubiquinol, the active "reduced" form of CoQ10 that is more easily absorbed by the body compared to ubiquinone. It also includes 10mg of PQQ to complement CoQ10‘s effects.
Supplemental CoQ10 has been shown to help support cardiovascular health, particularly in those with lower natural levels. Some studies also suggest potential benefits for exercise performance, brain function, and diabetes management, though more research is needed.
This supplement is one of Life Extension‘s top-rated products, with an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from customers. Many reviewers report improved energy levels, heart health markers, and exercise recovery with regular use. The main drawback noted is the relatively high price point compared to some other CoQ10 supplements.
What Do Customers Think of Life Extension?
To get a balanced view of Life Extension, it‘s important to consider the feedback of real users alongside our own product research. Here‘s a summary of customer reviews and ratings from multiple trusted sources:
On Life Extension‘s own website, its products have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers praise the brand‘s commitment to quality, science-based formulations, and potency. Positive effects reported include increased energy, improved lab markers (e.g. cholesterol levels), better sleep, and an overall sense of wellbeing.
Negative reviews are relatively few, but tend to mention disappointment with a lack of noticeable results or mild side effects like digestive discomfort. A few customers also complain about products being out of stock frequently or slow shipping times.
On Amazon, Life Extension‘s products have similarly positive ratings – typically between 4.5 and 4.8 out of 5 stars on average. Many reviewers note that they have been long-term loyal customers of the brand and appreciate the transparency about ingredients and dosages.
Trustpilot shows an average 3.5 out of 5 star rating for Life Extension as a brand. Positive reviews echo those on other sites – praising product quality and efficacy. Complaints center around slow customer service responses and issues with auto-ship billing. However, the company does appear to respond to most negative reviews with attempts to resolve concerns.
Overall, Life Extension enjoys a mostly positive reputation among customers. While individual results and experiences can vary, the brand seems to be meeting or exceeding most users‘ expectations in terms of product effectiveness and quality.
Is Life Extension Right for You?
So, is Life Extension worth considering for your own health and longevity goals? Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Pros:
- Wide range of science-based, clinically-studied ingredients and formulations
- Emphasis on quality and transparency (GMP compliance, third party testing, clear dosage info)
- Largely positive customer reviews and brand reputation
- Generous 365-day return policy
Cons:
- Some products have a relatively high price point compared to competitors
- Limited information on some proprietary blends and formulas
- Risk of potential side effects or drug interactions with some supplements
- No substitute for a balanced diet, exercise, and professional medical guidance
Ultimately, whether Life Extension is right for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and health status. If you‘re drawn to comprehensive, science-backed supplement formulas and don‘t mind paying a bit of a premium, Life Extension may be a good brand to explore.
However, it‘s always a good idea to consult with a trusted healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen – especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medications. They can help you assess any potential risks and determine the best approach for your unique situation.
Additionally, remember that while supplements can help support health and longevity, they are not a magic bullet. A nutrient-dense diet, regular physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management are all essential foundations for lifelong wellbeing.
That said, if you do decide to try Life Extension supplements, be sure to pay close attention to your body‘s response and any changes in your health markers over time. Give products at least a few weeks to assess their effects, but don‘t hesitate to discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions. And remember, you can always take advantage of the company‘s generous return policy if you‘re not satisfied with your results.
The Bottom Line
Life Extension has established itself as a leader in the world of supplements for healthy aging and longevity. With a range of innovative, science-based products and a commitment to quality and research, the brand has earned a largely positive reputation among customers.
While no supplement brand is perfect, Life Extension does seem to go the extra mile in terms of ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and transparency. Its extensive product line offers something for nearly every aspect of health – from heart and brain support to joint care, sleep, and more.
Of course, supplements are just one piece of the healthy aging puzzle. But if you‘re looking to optimize your nutrient intake and support your body‘s natural defenses against aging, Life Extension is definitely a brand worth considering. Just be sure to do your own research, consult with a healthcare professional, and listen to your body to find the best approach for your individual needs.
With the right combination of a balanced diet, smart supplementation, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can give yourself the best chance at a long, vibrant, and fulfilling life. And if Life Extension can play a role in supporting that journey, it may be a valuable ally to have on your side.