The Age of Miracles.

It seems that almost every few months some hormone
or compound is being presented as a cure-all
for aging. Last year the hype surrounded
melatonin. This year the focus seems to have
shifted to DHEA and serotonin. I find this
trend disturbing and those who
are encouraging it reckless.

The proponents of these compounds are invariably
promoting their new books about these wonder
drugs. I admit that many compounds do show
promising activities but it is irresponsible
to promote widespread high doses of these
hormones without sufficient experimental
evidence. Some of these charlatans are nothing
more than postmodern snake oil salesmen.
Their claims are not supported by references
and the evidence that does support their
claims is often exaggerated.

I recognize that it can be easy to be excited
by new discoveries. I am also prone to
overexuberance. However, I temper my
enthusiasm with reflection in order to gain an
objective view of the signficance of a new finding.

I do not believe that the premature
triumphalism that is being encouraged by the
media does any good. It has the potential to do
serious harm because the public will
become jaded and discount legitimate research
due to the hucksterism of an unscrupulous
or uncritical few. For those interested in
legitimate research into anti-aging
compounds I recommend the time tested
advice that "If it sounds too good to be true,
then it probably is".

The Age of Miracles.

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