Longevity Articles

Bioavailable ATP: Aging Doesn’t Mean Slowing Down

Healthy and active middle aged woman running powerfully on a beach at sunrise

The biggest topic in longevity seems to be energy, and for good reason: NAD+ and ATP fuel everything from morning workouts to board meetings to gene expression. NAD+ gets a lot of attention, but directly supporting the energy in our cells with oral ATP supplementation can have a profound impact on your felt level of energy, as well as provide cells energy to do vital tasks like repair DNA. 

Longevity ATP, featuring PEAK ATP®, is a clinically validated and patented form of Adenosine 5’-Triphosphate (ATP) Disodium. It’s the only nutritional ingredient that is identical in structure to the ATP produced and used by the human body. Enhancing your ATP stores can have dramatic benefits, from feeling more energetic, to getting more out of your workouts, to keeping your brain sharp as you age. How does it work? 

Fundamental Understanding of ATP 

ATP, often referred to as the "molecular unit of currency," is an essential compound involved in energy transfer within cells. It's the primary energy source that fuels many cellular activities, including active transport across cell membranes, protein synthesis, and muscle contraction. However, as we age, our bodies' ability to produce and maintain optimal ATP levels declines, impacting virtually all bodily functions. 

The Correlation Between ATP and Aging 

Aging is accompanied by a decrease in ATP production, leading to diminished cellular energy. This reduction impacts bodily functions, from muscle movement and heart function to the firing of nerves in the body and the brain. A decrease in ATP levels can lead to cellular damage, affecting how well your body can function and regulate itself. For instance, ATP is integral in managing the amount of water in a cell. When a cell lacks adequate energy, muscles can easily tire and retain excessive water, loosening the cell structure. This can lead to large molecules and other substances leaking out while unwanted substances may enter. 

Boost Your ATP Availability 

Longevity ATP features the ingredient PEAK ATP®, the first clinically validated and patented form of Adenosine 5’-Triphosphate (ATP) Disodium. This is the only nutritional ingredient that is identical in structure to the ATP produced and used by the human body. In the past, the only way to supplement with vital ATP has been through injections or IV drips, but the PEAK ATP® formula protects the active ingredient from digestion so ATP can be delivered through circulation to the tissues that will use it the most. 

ATP is our body’s universal energy currency, powering all biological reactions that allow cells to function and life to exist. The demand for ATP is increased up to 1,000-fold during exercise, and ATP turnover can limit high-intensity performance. Further, ATP stores decrease as we age, leading to a need for additional ATP to perform to the level we aim to achieve. 

Not all ATP is used to power cellular processes like explosive muscle movement. It’s also an important signaling molecule, particularly for nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, and the neurons in our brains use it in vast quantities to process information. 

Longevity ATP is a breakthrough orally available ATP supplement that is proven to increase ATP in your cells to maximize the energy you have available to use. By boosting your ATP stores, you’re supporting your longevity in foundational ways. Much like NAD+, ATP declines through normal aging, and infusing your cells with additional ATP can have tangible benefits while also promoting greater longevity. 

Longevity ATP features the patented PEAK ATP® formula, proven to boost ATP simply by taking a single capsule. The 400mg dose is validated by clinical studies to promote greater energy that you can actually feel, from giving you a boost at the gym, to thinking through a business proposal, to having plenty left to spare for supporting cellular health. Make Longevity ATP part of your informed longevity strategy to protect against many of the challenges that come with advancing years. 

How Does Longevity ATP Work? 

Longevity ATP represents a significant advancement in supplement science, by optimizing the bioavailability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) when taken orally. Previously, ATP has been available as a supplement only through injections or IV infusions, requiring expensive and inconvenient clinic visits. 

The unique formulation of Longevity ATP allows it to effectively bypass the digestive processes that typically degrade ATP, enabling efficient absorption and systemic distribution. Here's how Longevity ATP accomplishes this: 

Stable Molecular Formulation 

Longevity ATP is formulated in a stable molecular form that resists the harsh environment of the stomach. This stability protects the ATP molecule from the acidic conditions and digestive enzymes that would otherwise break it down. 

Absorption Mechanism 

Once it passes through the stomach, Longevity ATP reaches the small intestine where it is absorbed. The absorption mechanism of Longevity ATP is designed to facilitate the uptake of ATP across the intestinal barrier. This process ensures that ATP enters the bloodstream intact. 

Systemic Distribution 

Once absorbed into the bloodstream, ATP from Longevity ATP can be distributed throughout the body. This systemic distribution allows ATP to be available to tissues and cells where it can exert its effects, such as supporting muscle function, energy metabolism, and cellular signaling. 

Cellular Uptake 

Cells throughout the body can then uptake the ATP. This exogenous ATP can supplement the body's own ATP production, providing an extra source of cellular energy which is particularly beneficial during times of increased demand or stress, especially as we age. 

Longevity ATP’s effects are best experienced through regular and consistent supplementation; however, immediate effects do exist as well. You can expect to see significant changes in body composition after approximately 6-8 weeks, measurable changes in strength and fatigue resistance in as little as 2 weeks, and improvements in blood flow in as little as one week. Many people use ATP to support sustained energy in the gym, and this is an effect you can feel as fast as digestion, which in most users is about 30-45 minutes. 

What Happens When ATP Drops? 

Mitochondrial Dysfunction 

Aging is associated with a decline in mitochondrial function, a key site for ATP production. Mitochondria become less efficient in their metabolic processes, leading to a decrease in the production of ATP. This reduction in ATP can contribute to the decreased cellular function and increased oxidative stress often seen in aging tissues. 

Decreased Autophagy 

Autophagy, the process by which cells recycle damaged components, becomes less efficient with age. This decrease can lead to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, further impairing ATP production. Effective autophagy is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial quality and thus optimal ATP synthesis, so enhancing ATP stores can both support autophagy and protect mitochondrial function. 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Levels 

CoQ10 is essential for the electron transport chain in mitochondria, a critical step in ATP production. Aging is often associated with reduced CoQ10 levels, which can impair mitochondrial efficiency and ATP synthesis. Supplementation with CoQ10 in an additional strategy to support mitochondrial function and potentially enhance ATP production in older adults, especially those undergoing treatment for lipid management. 

NAD+ Decline 

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is crucial for cellular energy metabolism and ATP production. Levels of NAD+ naturally decrease with age, which can affect virtually all steps of cellular metabolism, including those involved in ATP synthesis. Strategies to boost NAD+ levels include enhancing ATP production as well as supplementing with NAD+ precursor molecules. Concurrently working on both methods of energy production is a powerful potential intervention to support healthy aging. 

Cellular Senescence 

Aging is accompanied by an increase in senescent cells - cells that have stopped dividing and exhibit deterioration in metabolic function. These cells have altered energy production pathways, often leading to reduced ATP levels. The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues can impact overall energy metabolism and contribute to the aging process. Supplementing with ATP may be one way to slow the progression of senescent cell accumulation. 

Hormonal Changes 

Hormonal fluctuations that occur with aging, such as decreases in growth hormone and sex steroids, can influence ATP production. These hormones are involved in the regulation of metabolism, and their decline can lead to changes in energy production and utilization. Supplemental ATP can fill in the gaps left by hormonally-influenced ATP decline, helping you to maintain the strength and energy you remember from your younger years. 

ATP in Cellular Repair and Maintenance 

Supplementing with ATP can be a strategic approach to enhancing cellular repair and maintenance. Enhanced ATP levels help in maintaining cellular integrity and function, slowing down the aging process. By facilitating efficient DNA repair and protein synthesis, ATP supplementation ensures that cells can effectively combat the accumulation of damage that typically comes with age. This process is key to prolonging cellular health and, by extension, promoting longevity. 

ATP and Metabolic Decline with Age 

As metabolic efficiency declines with age, supplementing with ATP can counteract this trend. By supporting energy metabolism, ATP supplementation aids in preserving the body’s ability to efficiently convert food into energy – a cornerstone of metabolic health. This support is vital for sustaining physical vitality and reducing the risk of metabolic disorders commonly associated with aging. 

ATP and Muscle Health 

Studies have shown that the key ingredient and identical dosage in Longevity ATP significantly increased strength and muscle mass: 

“A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of PEAK ATP® on strength, power, lean body mass, and markers of muscular damage. Twenty-one resistance-trained men took either 400 mg of PEAK ATP® or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The first phase of the study (8 weeks) consisted of a resistance-training program. In the second phase (2 weeks), training volume and frequency were increased to the point of over-reaching. For the final phase (2 weeks), training volume and frequency were decreased. Muscle mass, strength, and power were measured at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12.” 

Participants in the supplement group experienced: 

  • Increased strength by 147% over placebo
  • Increased power by 30% over placebo
  • Increased lean body mass by 100% over placebo
  • Increased muscle thickness by 96% over placebo

Maintaining muscle health is essential for longevity, as muscle loss is highly correlated with increased risk of mortality from all causes. ATP supplementation can provide direct support to muscle cells, enhancing strength and endurance. This is particularly important for combating age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. By improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscle tissues, ATP supplementation supports muscle growth and maintenance, key factors in preserving physical independence in older adults. 

ATP and Cardiovascular Health 

The heart's dependence on ATP increases with age as cardiovascular efficiency naturally declines. Supplementing with ATP may protect heart function by meeting its high energy demands. This can be particularly beneficial in preserving the heart's pumping efficiency and vascular health – vital aspects of cardiovascular longevity. 

ATP and Cognitive Health 

Cognitive health, heavily reliant on ATP for brain cell function, can benefit from ATP supplementation. As we age, brain energy metabolism can diminish, potentially leading to cognitive decline. By boosting ATP levels, supplements like Longevity ATP may help in maintaining cognitive functions such as memory and focus, essential for cognitive longevity and quality of life in older adults. 

One study examined the acute effect of our PEAK ATP® ingredient vs. placebo on cognitive function, reaction time, multiple object tracking and mood in healthy men and women before and after a fatiguing exercise protocol: 

“In this placebo-controlled crossover study 20 adults that were healthy, recreationally active individuals between ages 18-40 participated in the 14-day study.  Subjects were given PEAK ATP® or placebo to ingest before performing an all-out three-minute sprint test on a cycle erometer (3MT). 

Researchers measured visuomotor reaction time, multiple object tracking speed, mood and cognition before and after participants' high-intensity exercise bouts. Researchers found that subjects supplementing with PEAK ATP® maintained proactive reaction time and improved reactive reaction time following a high-intensity sprint exercise.  The study also showed that PEAK ATP® supplementation was able to decrease the number of errors during a reactive visuomotor task.  It also suggested that ATP may mitigate exercise induced cognitive dysfunction.” 

ATP, Faster Recovery, and Reduced Fatigue 

Using the key ingredient in Longevity ATP, participants in one study maintained force output and tended to reduce muscle fatigue during exhaustive exercise: 

“A double-blind, placebo-controlled, human crossover study assessed the muscle performance-enhancing effects of 400 mg of PEAK ATP® (200 mg twice daily) on healthy, active adults. Sixteen male and female participants were randomized to receive either PEAK ATP® or placebo for 15 days. Before and after each supplementation period, each participant completed a muscle strength and fatigue test consisting of three sets of 50 maximal knee extensions. After a one-week washout period, the groups were switched, so that those who had been taking placebo now took PEAK ATP® and vice versa. PEAK ATP® improved participants’ ability to maintain force output during an exhaustive exercise bout and tended to reduce muscle fatigue.” 

For older adults, longer recovery times and increased fatigue can be significant barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle. Supplementing with ATP can facilitate quicker recovery after physical activities and reduce fatigue. This enhancement is crucial for encouraging continued engagement in physical activities, which are essential for maintaining health, mobility, and independence – key components of a long and healthy life. 

The Energy Maintenance Theory of Aging (EMTA) 

The Energy Maintenance Theory of Aging (EMTA) posits that long-lived individuals must maintain relatively abundant ATP levels to survive during extended longevity. Mutations or treatments that increase ATP levels would thus be beneficial for longevity, while reductions in ATP levels would be detrimental. The increase in ATP levels can take many forms, including altering mitochondrial morphology, upregulating oxidative phosphorylation, ensuring the survival of healthy mitochondria, or increasing the generation of ATP through other pathways such as glycolysis. A failure to maintain adequate ATP levels leads to cellular aging and organismal death. 

Summary 

ATP is essential in maintaining our health and well-being, especially as we age. Ensuring optimal ATP levels can significantly improve our health and potentially extend our lifespan. Supplementing with Longevity ATP is an informed strategy to enhance cellular energy availability. Promoting cellular energy through additional ATP availability can enhance cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and NAD+ synthesis, which translates to having the strength and energy to get more out of life. 

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