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Journalism of Courage
British tech millionaire Bryan Johnson is offering a portion of his anti-ageing regime to the public. Johnson adheres to a rigorous programme known as Project Blueprint, which incorporates a specialised diet and a staggering 100 daily supplements. He claims this approach has reversed his biological age.
One component of Project Blueprint, the “Blueprint stack,” is now available for purchase. This stack includes a beverage mix, protein powder, eight tablets, and a 400-calorie dose – all supposedly backed by over 1,000 clinical trials. Notably, the stack also includes a reference to “snake oil,”(extra virgin olive oil being repositioned as snake oil) a colloquial term for a dubious remedy.
A detailed breakdown of the Blueprint stack includes Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Longevity Mix, Blueberry Nut Mix, Nutty Pudding, NAC + Ginger + Curcumin, Red Yeast Rice + Odour-Free Garlic, Essential Softgel and Essential Capsule.
G. Sushma Kumari, clinical dietician, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, broke down the components of the longevity mix, which claims the same effect as twenty multi-nutrient supplements. Coming in the flavour ‘Blood Orange’, it contains – Creatine 2.5 g, Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate 2 g, Glucosamine Sulfate 1.5 g and Ashwagandha 600 mg.
“Creatine helps in muscle-building and promoting athletic performance. Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate supports enhancing the frailty index and Glucosamine Sulfate boosts respiratory health. Lastly, Ashwagandha works to improve mood, sleep cycle, and overall recovery,” said Kumari, explaining the individual benefits of the components.
However, Ekta Singhwal, dietician, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, warned that it’s important to note the effectiveness of such supplements in increasing lifespan is not well-established and may vary depending on individual factors.
She also suggested the repositioning of extra virgin olive oil as “snake oil” could be “a deceptive marketing strategy aimed at promoting the product with exaggerated or false claims.
“Extra virgin olive oil is traditionally recognised for its health benefits, thanks to its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. However, labeling it as “snake oil” implies an attempt to exploit consumer trust by promoting unfounded health claims or selling inferior quality products,” Singhwal told indianexpress.com in an interaction.
Johnson asserted the stack is grounded in research and priced at £278 (approximately $343) for a month’s supply. In a promotional post, he boldly declared it to be “second only to mother’s milk.”
The recommended approach is to replace 400 calories from your existing diet with the Blueprint stack. It’s intended as a supplement to address potential deficiencies, not a complete meal replacement.
Johnson, a former Silicon Valley executive, is well-known for his fervent interest in anti-ageing. He claims to have reversed his biological age by over five years and boasts improved health markers. Project Blueprint, encompassing a specialised diet, medical monitoring, therapies, and exercise, represents a significant financial investment for Johnson. Earlier in the year, he made headlines for supposedly reversing hair loss through another self-developed programme.
It’s crucial to note that the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the effectiveness of Project Blueprint. Additionally, at a cost of £2 million annually, such extensive anti-ageing interventions are likely out of reach for most people.
Singhwal too advised approaching claims of increased lifespan or health improvements with skepticism. “While certain nutrients and dietary supplements may support overall health, there is no magic solution or “miracle” product that can guarantee longevity. Claims like being “second only to mother’s milk” should be critically evaluated based on scientific evidence and not taken at face value,” she expanded.
For those interested, Johnson’s product is available for delivery to 23 countries, including the UK, the USA, and most of Europe.
