The science
AGEING IS
SYSTEMIC.
Biological ageing is not a single process. It is a network of interconnected mechanisms — energy metabolism, redox regulation, nutrient sensing, mitochondrial function and cellular resilience. N° SYSTEM reads that network as a whole.
The biology of ageing
TWELVE HALLMARKS. ONE NETWORK.
The Hallmarks of Ageing provide a widely established scientific framework for describing these changes and investigating their interactions. The framework updated in 2023 comprises twelve hallmarks:
- 01Genomic instability
- 02Telomere attrition
- 03Epigenetic alterations
- 04Loss of proteostasis
- 05Disabled macroautophagy
- 06Deregulated nutrient sensing
- 07Mitochondrial dysfunction
- 08Cellular senescence
- 09Stem cell exhaustion
- 10Altered intercellular communication
- 11Chronic inflammation
- 12Dysbiosis
The Hallmarks are not a checklist for product claims. They provide a scientific lens through which ageing can be understood as an interconnected biological process.
N° SYSTEM uses this framework for scientific orientation and to place relevant biological relationships into context. This does not mean that N°1 addresses or has been shown to modify every Hallmark of Ageing.
López-Otín C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. Hallmarks of Aging: An Expanding Universe. Cell. 2023;186(2):243–278.
This publication provides scientific context for the biology of ageing. Its inclusion does not constitute evidence of an effect of N°1 or imply endorsement by the authors or publisher.
Framework to architecture
FROM SCIENTIFIC FRAMEWORK TO FORMULATION ARCHITECTURE.
The Hallmarks of Ageing describe the broader biology of ageing. The five N° SYSTEM domains serve a different purpose: they structure the nutritional and metabolic relationships considered during the development of N°1.
These domains intersect scientifically with selected Hallmarks, particularly in the context of mitochondrial function, nutrient sensing, proteostasis and cellular stress responses.
These intersections provide scientific context for formulation development. They do not demonstrate that N°1 modifies a specific ageing mechanism or produces a particular health outcome.
N° SYSTEM domains
- I
Cellular energy
NAD⁺ metabolism and ATP production.
- II
Redox balance
Glutathione systems and oxidative regulation.
- III
Metabolic intermediates
Substrates at the centre of intermediary metabolism.
- IV
Micronutrient cofactors
Cofactors required by core enzymatic pathways.
- V
Cellular resilience
The capacity of cells to absorb and recover from load.
THE FOUNDATIONS COME FIRST.
Sleep, physical activity, a balanced diet and appropriate medical care are essential foundations of healthy ageing.
N°1 is being developed as a complementary nutritional option. It does not replace these foundations or individually required medical advice or treatment.
Evidence hierarchy
MECHANISM IS NOT PROOF.
N° SYSTEM distinguishes between what is biologically plausible, what has been observed in people, and what can be demonstrated for a finished product.
- Level 01
Mechanistic context
What is biologically plausible?
Biochemical, cellular and preclinical findings can establish mechanistic plausibility. They do not automatically demonstrate an effect in humans.
- Level 02
Ingredient-level human evidence
What was observed, at what dose and in which population?
Human findings are assessed in relation to the specific ingredient form, dose, duration, population and endpoints investigated. Evidence relating to individual ingredients cannot automatically be extrapolated to a combined formulation.
- Level 03
Finished-formulation evidence
What can be shown for the complete final formulation?
Product-specific evidence requires the complete final formulation to be evaluated in appropriately designed human studies. The strength of that evidence depends on factors including study design, comparator, sample size, endpoints, duration and reproducibility.
The scientific literature provides context for the biological and nutritional relationships considered during the development of N°1.
Findings relating to individual ingredients do not constitute evidence of efficacy for the finished combination. N°1 is currently in development. No clinical efficacy claims are currently made for the final product.
Founder-developed. Disciplined in review.
“N° SYSTEM did not begin with a trending ingredient. It began with a question — which biological functions belong together — and with the discipline to claim only what the evidence supports.”
— Amal Bouzidi, Founder & Scientific Architect, N° SYSTEM
References
- López-Otín C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. Hallmarks of Aging: An Expanding Universe. Cell. 2023;186(2):243–278.
- Martinović A et al. Climbing the Longevity Pyramid: Overview of Evidence-Driven Healthcare Prevention Strategies for Human Longevity. Frontiers in Aging. 2024.
The publications listed provide scientific context. Their inclusion does not imply that their authors, journals or institutions have reviewed, endorsed or recommended N° SYSTEM or N°1.
Scientific standards
DISCIPLINE OVER CLAIMS.
Evidence mapping
Each ingredient is evaluated according to its biological role, human evidence, dose context and limitations.
Formulation compatibility
The final system must account for stability, bioavailability, ingredient interactions and manufacturing reality.
Regulatory discipline
Scientific communication must remain distinct from unauthorised medical or disease claims.
Quality validation
Final production will require defined raw-material specifications, identity testing, contaminant testing, manufacturing controls and finished-product validation.
SCIENCE IS THE FOUNDATION.
THE SYSTEM MAKES IT DAILY.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.