The David Sinclair NMN Protocol: What Australians Should Know

Protocol Guide · Updated June 2026

No single researcher has done more to bring NMN into mainstream consciousness than David Sinclair. Australian-born, Harvard-based, and one of the most cited scientists in the field of ageing biology, Sinclair has publicly shared the personal longevity supplement stack he has taken for years. His protocol — which includes NMN, Resveratrol, and TMG — has driven an enormous wave of interest in these molecules globally, and particularly in Australia, where he retains a strong cultural connection.

This guide explains what Sinclair actually takes, the science behind why each component belongs, and what Australians should know about building a similar protocol.

Who Is David Sinclair?

David Sinclair was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and completed his PhD at the University of New South Wales before moving to Harvard Medical School, where he is now Professor of Genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Centre for Biology of Aging Research.

His 2019 book Lifespan: Why We Age — and Why We Don't Have To introduced millions of people to the information theory of ageing, the role of sirtuins, and the NAD+ hypothesis. He has appeared on Joe Rogan, Andrew Huberman, and dozens of other platforms, consistently discussing his personal supplement protocol alongside the research from his lab.

Importantly, Sinclair is not just a commentator on longevity science — he is one of its primary architects. He co-discovered that sirtuins are regulated by NAD+ and that Resveratrol activates SIRT1. His lab continues to produce foundational research on NMN, NAD+ and cellular ageing.

The Sinclair Protocol: What He Takes

Sinclair has been transparent about his personal supplement routine in interviews, though he emphasises this is his personal choice based on his reading of the evidence, and not medical advice. As of his most recent public statements, his core protocol includes:

Note: Sinclair's protocol evolves as research develops. Metformin is prescription-only in Australia and should not be self-prescribed. This is not medical advice — consult your GP before starting any new supplement protocol.

The Science Behind Each Core Ingredient

NMN — The Fuel

NMN is the most direct precursor to NAD+ — the coenzyme that powers mitochondrial energy production. It converts to NAD+ in a single enzymatic step. NAD+ declines by ~50% between your 20s and 60s, driving many of the cellular changes associated with ageing. At 500–1000mg daily, NMN reliably raises NAD+ in human trials. Read our full NMN explainer →

Resveratrol — The Activator

Resveratrol activates SIRT1 — the primary longevity sirtuin discovered in Sinclair's lab. NAD+ feeds sirtuins, but sirtuins only switch on when activator molecules like Resveratrol (or Pterostilbene) bind to them. Taking NMN without a sirtuin activator is like fuelling a car and never starting the engine. This is why Sinclair takes both, and why Nadovia's Longevity Complex includes both.

TMG — The Protector

Every NMN-to-NAD+ conversion consumes a methyl group from your body's reserves. At 500–1000mg daily NMN, this methyl group consumption is significant. Without TMG, long-term NMN use can deplete methylation capacity — silently undermining the benefits you are taking NMN to achieve. Sinclair takes TMG specifically for this reason.

How Nadovia Improves on the Base Protocol

The Sinclair protocol covers the three essential components: NMN (fuel), Resveratrol (sirtuin activator), and TMG (methylation protection). Nadovia's Longevity Complex adds three meaningful upgrades:

• Pterostilbene instead of (or alongside) plain Resveratrol: Pterostilbene is a structural analogue of Resveratrol with 4x greater bioavailability and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier — something Resveratrol largely cannot do. Nadovia includes 120mg of each for complete sirtuin activation across both peripheral and neurological tissue.
• Quercetin (300mg): A senolytic flavonoid that helps clear senescent cells — the damaged, dysfunctional cells that accumulate with age and drive systemic inflammation. Sinclair's protocol does not include a dedicated senolytic; Nadovia's does.
• Active Methylcobalamin B12 (150mcg): The active form of B12 that fuels the methylation cycle TMG is protecting. TMG and B12 work synergistically in the same pathway.

Building This Stack in Australia

Building the Sinclair protocol in Australia through individual supplements requires purchasing NMN, Resveratrol, and TMG separately — typically from 2–3 different brands with varying quality standards. Total monthly cost typically runs $150–$200 AUD.

Nadovia's Longevity Complex assembles all six ingredients — NMN 500mg, Resveratrol 120mg, Pterostilbene 120mg, Quercetin 300mg, TMG 600mg, Methylcobalamin B12 150mcg — in one daily dose. From $95/month with Subscribe & Save. View the Longevity Complex →

FAQ

What supplements does David Sinclair take?

Publicly, Sinclair has stated he takes NMN (1g), Resveratrol (1g with yoghurt), TMG, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, low-dose aspirin, and metformin. He emphasises his protocol changes as evidence evolves, and that it is his personal decision based on his reading of the research — not a prescription for others.

Why does Sinclair take NMN and Resveratrol together?

NMN raises NAD+ levels. Resveratrol activates sirtuins — the longevity proteins that NAD+ feeds but cannot switch on alone. Together they complete a pathway that neither activates independently. This synergy is why Nadovia's Longevity Complex includes both molecules.

Is David Sinclair Australian?

Yes. David Sinclair was born in Sydney and completed his undergraduate and doctoral training in Australia (UNSW) before moving to Harvard Medical School. He remains a significant figure in Australian science and longevity culture.

Where can Australians build a Sinclair-inspired protocol?

Nadovia's Longevity Complex combines NMN 500mg with Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, Quercetin, TMG and B12 — the complete assembled protocol. Available at nadovia.com with free AU shipping on orders over $75.

References: Sinclair DA, Lifespan (2019); sinclair.hms.harvard.edu; Yoshino M et al., Cell Metabolism (2021); pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Not medical advice — consult your GP before starting any supplement protocol.