Dr. Ellen Crabbe, a Belgian longevity pioneer with a PhD in molecular biology, has made longevity her life’s mission with the launch of the nutritional supplement brand Zirtui. Her goal is not just to extend life but to enhance its quality in later years. Supplements, she explains in this interview and in her new book, support the body’s natural ability to remain strong and healthy.
Interview by Anja Van Der Borght
How long has Zirtui been around, and what products do you offer?
EC: “We have been in business for four years and offer a range of products. On one hand, we have our all-rounder, THE Blend. In addition, we offer THE Skin. This innovative formula boosts skin, hair, and nails from within. THE Skin is a nutraceutical mix containing natural collagen-boosting ingredients. It is rich in fibers and polyphenols and includes amino acids as building blocks for collagen, along with liposomal ingredients for better absorption. Since healthy skin is closely linked to a healthy gut flora (the gut-skin axis), baobab and acacia were added as sources of prebiotic fibers. Furthermore, we have THE Dream, which focuses on sleep. This product helps develop a good sleep routine and ensures deeper and better sleep. We also offer THE carbX, which regulates blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates are absolutely necessary, among other things, for our gut microbiome. However, blood sugar spikes can sometimes occur. When these spikes persist for too long, they can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and other issues. Blood glucose has been identified as a key biomarker of aging. THE carbX, a small pill, addresses this issue. It contains five promising ingredients (chromium, taurine, white mulberry, vitamin C, and cinnamon), each with its own powerful effects. Stable blood sugar levels slow down the aging process and contribute to a long and healthy life. In the future, we also want to focus on gut health and other key areas. However, before launching additional products, we aim to reach a broader audience.”
How did your passion for longevity begin?
EC: “My passion for longevity originates from my research background. Some time ago, during my PhD, I was involved in fundamental cancer research. I studied how a cell at some point stops behaving normally and begins to divide uncontrollably or migrate to areas where it does not belong. That is essentially what cancer is: a cell that no longer follows the rules. My focus at the time was primarily on understanding how diseases develop and how to treat them, which is the foundation of conventional medicine: identifying a problem and solving it. However, two personal events completely changed my perspective. The first was my mother’s illness. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at a relatively young age, just under 60—an illness that used to be associated with alcohol consumption or even alcohol abuse. This was particularly confronting because my mother lived a relatively healthy life, did not drink alcohol, and did everything ‘by the book.’ Yet she became ill, and once the diagnosis was made, we knew there was little that could be done. After six months of a difficult battle, she passed away in 2016. Shortly after, her younger brother was diagnosed with lymphoma. He was an athlete and lived healthily, but he also did not survive. These two events made me question the approach to diseases from the sole perspective of ‘treatment.’ As a scientist, I had been trained to believe that there was always a solution to every problem. But this experience confronted me with the harsh reality that this is not always the case. Out of a combination of grief and frustration, I began to explore the underlying principles of health and disease. How is it possible that people who live healthily still become seriously ill? This search led me to the concept of longevity—the pursuit of a long and healthy life by not only treating diseases but also understanding and preventing their causes and mechanisms.”
Dr. Ellen Crabbe, Belgian longevity pioneer: “I want to close the gap between how long we live and how long we stay healthy. To me, that is what longevity is truly about.”
Some people take longevity to the extreme. What is your view on that?
EC: “Longevity has become a broad and popular topic, even a hype. Some people claim they want to live to 200 years old and take extreme measures to achieve that. Brian Johnson, the multimillionaire who made his fortune selling IT software in the United States, is a well-known example. Johnson invests over a million dollars annually in various interventions to appear and stay younger. He even competes in a kind of ‘Olympics’ for those who can maintain the youngest biological age, often ranking second or third. But that is not my story. My focus is not on such extremes. What interests me most is how we can improve our quality of life as we age. People are living longer; the average life expectancy in Belgium is now around 81 to 83 years, depending on gender. However, if you look at health statistics, you see that many people experience health issues starting around age 60 or 65. This means that for another twenty years—an incredibly long time—many people live with illnesses or chronic conditions. I want to close the gap between how long we live and how long we stay healthy. That is what longevity truly means to me: ensuring that we remain healthy for longer so that the years we live are truly of high quality. My goal is not to live to 150 or 200 years old. Scientifically, that is still far out of reach and may even be a utopian idea. What is achievable, however, is ensuring that we spend less time in illness and decline. Not by shortening our lives, but by staying vital until our eighties and only facing health problems toward the very end. I want to break the negative connotation between aging and disease. The idea that aging automatically means becoming sick is not only incorrect but also disrespectful to older individuals.”
You want to challenge the societal belief that aging inevitably means illness. How do you plan to do that?
EC: “There are two key aspects. First, we now have a much better understanding of what happens in our bodies as we age. This process often begins surprisingly early, sometimes around age 26, and accelerates as we grow older. We now know that there are twelve underlying, highly complex causes of aging. By addressing these mechanisms, either individually or in combination, we can slow down the aging process. If we slow it down, we also delay diseases that are often associated with aging. Currently, an enormous amount of research is being conducted, with startups and scientists trying to discover which interventions are truly effective. Medications and supplements are being tested, but many of these solutions are still in the research phase. Long-term treatments are on the way, I am convinced of that, but we do not need to wait. Waiting for a magical solution while we could already be preventing damage is not a wise approach.”
What can people do to change this themselves?
EC: “Go back to the basics, to the things our parents and grandparents always told us: eat healthily, stay active, and get enough sleep. These are simple yet incredibly powerful interventions that have a massive impact on health. Movement: Make sure your body stays active. You don’t necessarily need to reach 10,000 steps per day—that is largely a marketing myth. However, taking a daily walk or simply staying active makes a big difference.
Sleep: Good sleep is crucial. In our society, sleep is often considered secondary, almost as if needing sleep is a weakness. But sleep is fundamental for the body’s repair processes. Even one night of poor sleep can cause biological damage. This is something we really need to pay more attention to.
Nutrition: There is a lot of confusion about nutrition today, partly due to the overwhelming amount of information on social media. However, we do know that a predominantly plant-based diet, supplemented with some animal proteins and sufficient fiber, forms the foundation of a healthy eating pattern.
Stress: Another critical factor is stress. Chronic stress, as opposed to short-term peak stress, can put enormous strain on the body. It damages cells and triggers processes that contribute to aging. As a society, we need to focus more on mindfulness and stress management. Alongside these personal adjustments, medical developments are also underway. Two particularly promising molecules currently being researched are metformin and rapamycin. Metformin is a well-known drug that has been used since the 1950s to treat type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that it may not only be effective against diabetes but also potentially extend lifespan. In trials on mice, it increased lifespan and improved overall health. I personally strongly believe in metformin because it has a well-established safety profile. We know its side effects—sometimes mild digestive discomfort—but otherwise, it is a very safe molecule. I am not afraid to take it myself.
Rapamycin is a more complex option. It is currently used as an immunosuppressant for organ transplant patients, but in low doses, it appears to reduce inflammatory processes that play a significant role in aging, particularly chronic inflammation that often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t necessarily cause pain until it reaches a critical level. Some people, including Brian Johnson, take rapamycin. However, caution is necessary because a well-functioning immune system is essential for healthy aging.
The challenge with these medications is that clinical research on aging takes a long time—often 10 to 20 years. However, significant progress is being made. In the meantime, we can achieve a great deal by focusing on the simple things that are already within our reach: movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress reduction. These basics form the foundation of a healthy and vital life and can make a real difference in slowing down the aging process.”
It is well known that certain combinations of vitamins or dietary supplements can counteract each other’s effects or even cause negative side effects. How do you ensure that your blends remain optimal and safe?
EC: “A great deal of literature research has gone into this. Additionally, I have consulted with experts who have extensive experience in this field. To be clear: I design my products myself, but I outsource production. I collaborate with two companies that have in-depth knowledge of ingredient combinations. They help ensure that the blends have a synergistic effect, meaning that the ingredients enhance each other positively. You want to avoid one substance diminishing the effectiveness of another or reducing the overall impact. I have conducted thorough research on the best molecules and how to compose the most effective blends. My focus is primarily on cellular processes that deteriorate with aging. Think of it like a car engine that starts to sputter after ten years. I mainly focus on reducing inflammation and supporting epigenetic processes. Additionally, I have sought advice from experts who have been active in the supplement industry for much longer. This has allowed me to develop an optimal mix. Supplements are also strictly regulated in Belgium, with clear guidelines on dosages. The blends I develop fully comply with these regulations. They can be combined with other supplements, such as magnesium. However, if customers ask whether my products can replace certain medications, I always refer them to their doctor. I cannot and do not want to make statements about that. I do advise caution with high dosages. Take vitamin D, for example: if you are using a blend that already contains a high dose, it is not wise to take additional vitamin D on top of that. Here, I rely on my customers’ common sense. All legally required warnings are clearly stated on the packaging. Some brands try to bypass these regulations, but I believe it is important that people are fully aware of what they are consuming. At the same time, I always emphasize that my products do not replace a healthy lifestyle. First, adjust your lifestyle, and then use our products as a supplement—not as the first solution.”
You mentioned vitamin D, but vitamin B3 is also an important component in your blends. Why is that?
EC: “Vitamin B3, or nicotinamide, is found both in our skin and in my blend. This is because it is an extremely versatile and safe vitamin. Its use and effects have been well documented for many years. For my ‘longevity’ THE Blend, I use it because of its role in the production of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD is essential for cellular repair mechanisms. Our bodies have incredible systems to repair themselves, but as we age, NAD levels decline, much like collagen production. This has a huge impact because when these repair mechanisms no longer function properly, problems arise. You cannot simply take NAD as a supplement, as it is not absorbed directly by cells. However, taking precursors like vitamin B3 orally allows our cells to convert it into NAD. That is why this vitamin is a crucial component in THE Blend. It not only supports repair mechanisms but also has anti-inflammatory properties. For THE Skin, our blend for skin health, vitamin B3 plays a similar role, but the focus is more on reducing inflammation. Many skin problems stem from inflammation, often as a result of gut issues. Vitamin B3 helps reduce inflammation, supports the gut microbiome, and stimulates the production of ceramides, which hydrate and maintain healthy skin. It is a key vitamin for both healthy aging and skin health. Moreover, it is a very safe vitamin, and you can take it in high doses. There is only one form of vitamin B3 that can cause a flush, but that is not present in my products.”
Why do you choose blends instead of pills? Isn’t that less practical?
EC: “It depends on how you look at it. To take the same dosage as in my blends, you would need to swallow about six one-gram pills. That is a lot. Of course, you could lower the dosage, but that would reduce effectiveness. Many pills are suboptimally dosed, and I do not want to compromise on that. My preference for blends also comes from personal experience. There was a time when my kitchen counter was cluttered with jars and pill bottles. But I am not someone who enjoys swallowing pills—I often forgot, and it was inconvenient. Then I thought: why not combine everything into one product so that you get everything you need in a single step? That led to the development of my blends. It becomes part of a routine, for example, at breakfast or as a bedtime ritual. By consciously taking your supplements, you create a habit that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. I hear from customers that this approach works. One customer with several health issues told me that taking my blend motivated her to adopt other healthy habits, such as walking and exercising.”
But what about taste? Not everyone likes powders and drinks.
EC: “That is true, and I do hear that sometimes. My products do not contain added sweeteners or artificial flavouring agents, which are often used to give powders a pleasant taste. The taste of THE Skin comes from freeze-dried berries, which are rich in polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Some people may not like it at first because we are so used to artificial flavours. But I believe we need to retrain our taste preferences and return to natural flavours. For some situations, I still use pills, such as for products that require only a very small amount of active ingredient, like 250 milligrams. However, in general, I prefer blends because of their effectiveness.”
What can beauty professionals recommend to their clients?
EC: “As a beauty professional, you have a close relationship with clients who open up about their external concerns. Many skin issues, once they become visible, are actually secondary indicators of internal imbalances. A lot of skin aging and skin problems originate from an imbalance in the gut microbiome. I believe beauty professionals are perfectly positioned to address issues holistically, unlike doctors who often focus on medical treatment alone. By using microbiome analyses or DNA analyses, they can determine what works best for each client. There is also significant commercial potential in this approach, as these types of analyses are now widely available. Once a beauty professional understands a client’s internal health status, they can provide highly personalized guidance, ensuring that the body’s internal balance is maintained so that it reflects positively on external appearance. Additionally, beauty professionals have strong knowledge of biology and understand how cells function. This presents an opportunity to work on both internal and external health because the two are inherently linked. Beauty professionals can recommend THE Skin, especially because it not only benefits the skin but also helps reduce inflammation and supports the gut microbiome. This contributes to healthy and hydrated skin.”
When we think about longevity, countries like Japan, Greece, Singapore, and the so-called Blue Zones often come to mind. Are these countries and their lifestyles a major source of inspiration for you?
EC: “The principles that emerge from these studies—such as healthy eating, sufficient physical activity, and maintaining social connections—are indeed universal principles that I fully support. However, in recent years, there has been some controversy surrounding the Blue Zones. Some scientists have suggested that the data from these studies is not always entirely reliable. For example, on the Greek island of Ikaria, initially classified as a Blue Zone, it appears that incorrect data may have been used. Some individuals recorded as being very old were later found to have already passed away. Additionally, the world is changing. Take Okinawa in Japan, for example. It was once known for its healthy lifestyle, but today, due to the rise of fast food and other modern influences, it is one of the unhealthiest regions in Japan. That does not mean the original principles were incorrect, but it does show that context and time play a role. So, do I take the Blue Zones into account? Yes, but primarily in terms of their general conclusions. I focus less on what was specifically eaten in places like Okinawa because those details are not always reliable or relevant. The broader lessons are much more valuable. For instance, in Okinawa, people followed a predominantly plant-based diet, while in Ikaria, they consumed a lot of meat. What we can learn from this is that the local availability of food and how one’s microbiome adapts to it plays a significant role. What is local and traditional often works best for your body. So, I look at the overarching principles rather than specific interventions by country.”
Do you think personalized dietary supplements will become accessible to the general public in the future?
EC: “That trend has already begun. There are now companies offering products based on DNA analysis or microbiome research. Medicine and dietary supplements are becoming increasingly personalized. With the enormous amount of data we can now collect, it is becoming possible to determine more accurately what works for each individual. That being said, we must also be realistic about what ‘personalized’ really means. Often, it involves categorizing individuals into groups and then providing a product that best suits their profile. That is different from a fully customized supplement. Truly individual solutions usually require the guidance of a doctor or medically trained professional. These kinds of applications, based on DNA and microbiome analyses, are already a reality, especially in the sports world. Top athletes are already receiving highly personalized supplements to optimize their performance. I am confident that this will eventually reach the general public as well. However, the regulations in Belgium are strict, and rightly so. Supplements cannot just be put on the market, especially when it comes to complex blends. Regulations sometimes lag behind what science can already achieve, but they also ensure that we do not take unnecessary risks or experiment recklessly. I believe that personalized supplements will become more widely available in the future, but we must strike a balance. It is good that regulations exist to prevent people from being used as test subjects without proper oversight.”
How many supplements do you typically use yourself?
EC: “I use THE Blend as my foundation. I believe this blend brings many essential factors into balance. Occasionally, I take extra magnesium, especially if I notice that my concentration or energy levels are decreasing. Additionally, I use THE carbX on days when my diet is less optimal. If I know that my nutrition is not going to be ideal, I take THE carbX to compensate. I also take THE Skin from time to time, particularly if I experience mild inflammation or feel that my gut microbiome is not entirely in balance. THE Skin is an optimized blend with a high fiber content, which helps stimulate the gut microbiome. This is crucial because there is not only a gut-brain axis but also a gut-skin axis. What happens in your gut is reflected in your skin. Many skin issues arise due to an imbalance in the gut. So yes, I mainly use my own products. But I also know exactly how they are formulated, and I am convinced of their effectiveness.”
