Life Extension

Life Extension: targeted formulas from the US

Life Extension opts for depth rather than breadth. While other brands offer standard forms, this brand often uses a specific variant of a substance. Magnesium L-threonate instead of magnesium citrate, ubiquinol instead of ubiquinone. As a result, the range is smaller, but the products are harder to replace with something else.

This collection features the Life Extension products we carry. Below, you will find out what sets each product apart and what to look out for with an American brand.

Where Life Extension comes from

Life Extension is an American brand, and the products were developed for the American market. In practice, this means two things: the dosages are sometimes higher than you are used to in the Netherlands, and you will come across American terminology on the label. So read the packaging carefully before you start.

Neuro-Mag magnesium L-threonate

Magnesium L-threonate is a form in which magnesium is bound to threonic acid. The difference between this and other forms of magnesium lies in the substance to which the magnesium is bound. This form is rare on the shelf: most brands offer citrate, bisglycinate, or oxide. If you are specifically looking for this form, your options in the Netherlands are limited.

Super Ubiquinol CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 exists in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Life Extension offers the ubiquinol variant, with one hundred milligrams per softgel. In short, ubiquinol is the reduced form of Q10. This form is usually more expensive than ubiquinone, which explains the price difference between CoQ10 products.

Super Omega-3 with sesamolin

These fish oil softgels contain EPA and DHA, supplemented with sesamolin and olive extract. You won't find these additions in most omega-3 products. The bottle contains 240 softgels, so a normal dosage will last a long time. Check the label for the amount of EPA and DHA per softgel, because that is the figure you use to compare omega-3, not the total fish oil content.

NAC and the herbal complex

We also carry NAC, or N-acetyl-L-cysteine, with six hundred milligrams per capsule, and a tablet complex containing soy isoflavones, broccoli, and herbs. The latter is a formulated blend, so go through the ingredients list to see exactly what is in it and in what quantities.

American dosages and units

American labels sometimes use different units from European ones, such as international units alongside micrograms. The recommended daily intake stated on an American label is also based on American reference values. Therefore, compare it with the European reference intake if you want to know how a dosage compares to what is common here.

What to look out for

With these products, pay particular attention to the form, because that is where this brand's added value lies. Magnesium L-threonate and ubiquinol are not easily interchangeable with the standard forms, and that difference is reflected in the price. If you already use other supplements, check that you are not doubling up on the same substance.

Life Extension is a brand for those who know exactly what they are looking for. If you know exactly which form you want, there is a good chance you will find it here when a broader brand cannot help you.