I’m joined by Neal Mercado, Chief Science Officer at Melrose, one of Australia’s leading wellness brands and the team behind Melrose Future Lab. Neal leads a thought-provoking conversation on ageing, vitality, and the science behind what really works.

We unpack the difference between lifespan and health span—because it’s not just about living longer, but living well. From cellular senescence to musculoskeletal strength, we look at ingredients leading wellness conversations and the future of longevity science. 

Neal also lifts the lid on supplement quality, why not all extracts are created equal, and explains the concept of bioavailability to actually move the needle.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, curious about longevity, embarking on strength training, or trying to make sense of the supplement aisle, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make informed, future-focused choices.

In partnership with Melrose Future Lab.

Key Takeaways:
Health span means more years lived well, not just longer
Cellular senescence (aka “zombie cells”) reduces function as we age
Berberine can support healthy blood glucose and AMPK activation
Quality matters: not all herbal extracts or proteins are created equal
Collagen, especially bovine-derived, supports muscle health
Strength training is essential for bone density in menopausal women
Supplement bioavailability is as important as the ingredients themselves
Innovative formulations are changing how we absorb nutrients
Menopause research is decades behind other women’s health areas
Perimenopausal women benefit from tailored support and active nutrients
Intermittent fasting and autophagy support cellular repair
Effective supplements are about formulation—not fads

Chapter:

00:00 – The Importance of Health Span vs Longevity
03:05 – Understanding the Hallmarks of Ageing
05:58 – Cellular Mechanisms of Ageing and Longevity
09:12 – The Role of Supplements in Ageing Well
11:59 – Berberine: A Key Player in Longevity
15:02 – Navigating the World of Supplements
18:02 – The Future of Health and Wellness
26:32 – Musculoskeletal Health and Ageing
34:00 – Innovations in Formulation and Bioavailability
38:01 – Addressing Menopause and Perimenopause
45:23 – The Importance of Formulation Over Ingredients

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/i65uno_HZQo

I&rsquo;m joined by Neal Mercado, Chief Science Officer at Melrose, one of Australia&rsquo;s leading wellness brands and the team behind Melrose Future Lab. Neal leads a thought-provoking conversation on ageing, vitality, and the science behind what really works.
We unpack the difference between lifespan and health span&mdash;because it&rsquo;s not just about living longer, but living well. From cellular senescence to musculoskeletal strength, we look at ingredients leading wellness conversations and the future of longevity science.&nbsp;
Neal also lifts the lid on supplement quality, why not all extracts are created equal, and explains the concept of bioavailability to actually move the needle.
If you&rsquo;re navigating perimenopause, curious about longevity, embarking on strength training, or trying to make sense of the supplement aisle, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make informed, future-focused choices.
In partnership with Melrose Future Lab.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Health span means more years lived well, not just longer</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cellular senescence (aka &ldquo;zombie cells&rdquo;) reduces function as we age</li>
<li aria-level="1">Berberine can support healthy blood glucose and AMPK activation</li>
<li aria-level="1">Quality matters: not all herbal extracts or proteins are created equal</li>
<li aria-level="1">Collagen, especially bovine-derived, supports muscle health</li>
<li aria-level="1">Strength training is essential for bone density in menopausal women</li>
<li aria-level="1">Supplement bioavailability is as important as the ingredients themselves</li>
<li aria-level="1">Innovative formulations are changing how we absorb nutrients</li>
<li aria-level="1">Menopause research is decades behind other women&rsquo;s health areas</li>
<li aria-level="1">Perimenopausal women benefit from tailored support and active nutrients</li>
<li aria-level="1">Intermittent fasting and autophagy support cellular repair</li>
<li aria-level="1">Effective supplements are about formulation&mdash;not fads</li>
</ul>
Chapter:
00:00 &ndash; The Importance of Health Span vs Longevity 03:05 &ndash; Understanding the Hallmarks of Ageing 05:58 &ndash; Cellular Mechanisms of Ageing and Longevity 09:12 &ndash; The Role of Supplements in Ageing Well 11:59 &ndash; Berberine: A Key Player in Longevity 15:02 &ndash; Navigating the World of Supplements 18:02 &ndash; The Future of Health and Wellness 26:32 &ndash; Musculoskeletal Health and Ageing 34:00 &ndash; Innovations in Formulation and Bioavailability 38:01 &ndash; Addressing Menopause and Perimenopause 45:23 &ndash; The Importance of Formulation Over Ingredients
Watch the full episode here: <a href="https://youtu.be/i65uno_HZQo">https://youtu.be/i65uno_HZQo</a>

Ageless Radiance Club takes you behind the velvet ropes of ageless beauty and the science of rejuvenation. I open my little black book of celebrities, surgeons, cosmetic doctors, scientists, glam squads, products and leading-edge experts that can help transform your vitality and beauty and rejuvenate you from the inside out. 

More than a destination for trusted advice, Ageless Radiance Club is a portal that connects you with a suite of solutions, experts, and choices to address your every concern about beauty, well-being, and vitality without judgment.

From skincare and injectables to bio-hacking, epi-genetics, surgery, and everything in between, the Ageless world is your oyster — and I'm here to help you open it.

More importantly, in an industry plagued by somewhat exploitive and confusing messages, the Ageless Radiance Club Podcast is a trusted source, giving you direct access to best practice experts and cutting-edge innovations in Australia and globally.

Ageless Radiance Club takes you behind the velvet ropes of ageless beauty and the science of rejuvenation. I open my little black book of celebrities, surgeons, cosmetic doctors, scientists, glam squads, products and leading-edge experts that can help transform your vitality and beauty and rejuvenate you from the inside out. 
More than a destination for trusted advice, Ageless Radiance Club is a portal that connects you with a suite of solutions, experts, and choices to address your every concern about beauty, well-being, and vitality without judgment.
From skincare and injectables to bio-hacking, epi-genetics, surgery, and everything in between, the Ageless world is your oyster — and I'm here to help you open it. More importantly, in an industry plagued by somewhat exploitive and confusing messages, the Ageless Radiance Club Podcast is a trusted source, giving you direct access to best practice experts and cutting-edge innovations in Australia and globally.

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