Trū Science
The science behind our world class products.
TrūSpan™ supplements are about both living longer and living better. We stand at the crossroads of lifespan and health span, providing functional, nutrient-rich solutions to help you live your best life now and as you age*.
Our products are expertly formulated with science-backed ingredients that support peak daily performance; enhance optimal mitochondrial function, restore cellular balance, and fight free radical oxidation*.
These longevity pathways are the building blocks that will help you minimize the chronic stress of aging at the cellular level*.
Science proves that by consistently activating these longevity pathways in the body, every body can achieve a longer and better health span*. Yeah, that means you.
Science Advisory Board
Douglas S. Kalman PhD, RD, FACN, FISSN
Douglas S. Kalman currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Nutrition Department within the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Dr. Kalman has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at FAU, FIU, NYU, CW Post, and NYCC. Along with Dr. Susan Hewlings, he co-leads the consultancy, Substantiation Sciences.
Historically, Dr. Kalman was a co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Most recently, Dr. Kalman served as the Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the trade association, The Natural Products Association (NPA). Earlier in his career, Dr. Kalman was the VP of Scientific Affairs for Nutrasource, a nutrition-centric Contract Research & Service Organization.
He has worked six Olympic games and with a multitude of teams and individuals on the collegiate and professional sport levels. Dr. Kalman has been involved in over 400 clinical trials and projects within the food/beverage/dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts, more than 100 abstracts/poster sessions and has authored or co-authored five academic textbooks.
Outside of his love for the field of nutrition and health, Dr. Kalman enjoys time with his family, exercising and in being of service to others.
Dr. Josė Vega
Dr. Jose Vega is an Integrative Functional Manual Therapist, Herbalist, Movement Educator, and Nutritionist, dedicated to advancing holistic health practices. He is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, a Certified Nutrition Specialist(R) and holds a Master of Science in Integrative Health and Human Clinical Nutrition. His academic foundation includes a Bachelor's in Applied Science in Manual Therapy and two associate degrees in Health, Wellness, and Fitness Education and Therapeutic Massage.
With over 10,000 hours of clinical practice since 2011 and an additional 1,000 hours of advanced manual therapy training, Jose possesses extensive practical expertise. His scholarly interests include herbal medicine, which he has studied for nearly two decades, focusing on traditional Western herbalism and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Jose advocates for the accessibility of natural remedies, emphasizing the importance of local bioregions and their specific plants in health care and health sovereignty.
His integrative approach highlights food as a pivotal component of health, incorporating personalized nutrition, manual therapy, herbal medicine, movement, and lifestyle modifications to facilitate optimal client outcomes. Additionally, Jose has dedicated significant time to studying movement education in various capacities, having practiced Chinese Martial Arts for 20 years and taught for over 17 years. His work reflects a commitment to empowering individuals through a comprehensive understanding of nutrition, movement, herbal medicine, and lifestyle as it applies to health and wellness.
Scientific Documentation
Structure/Function Claim Substantiation Report for Trū Defend NAD3
Date: August 12, 2025
Prepared for: TrūSpan by Substantiation Sciences
Purpose
The report reviews the formulation of Trū Defend NAD3 (containing Niacinamide, Copper, and NAD3 complex) to determine if the product’s proposed structure/function claims are truthful, not misleading, and substantiated under Section 403(r)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Formula Per 2 Capsules
- Niacinamide: 500 mg
- Copper (as Cuprous Nicotinic Acid): 0.187 mg
- NAD3 (Wasabi japonica extract + theacrine + copper niacin chelate): 312 mg
Desired/Proposed Claims
- Supports NAD+ production and energy metabolism
- Activates longevity-related genes (e.g., SIRT1)
- Helps reduce oxidative stress and cellular aging
- Supports mitochondrial function
- Promotes heart and brain health
- Enhances stress resilience and healthy aging
Ingredient Evidence
Niacinamide
- Forms NAD/NADH coenzymes used in >400 enzymatic reactions.
- Shown in clinical trials to significantly raise NAD+ levels.
- Can activate longevity gene SIRT1 and support detoxification/antioxidant pathways.
- Legally qualifies as “High/Rich/Excellent Source of Niacin.”
Copper
- Essential cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, connective tissue formation, iron metabolism, CNS function, melanin synthesis, antioxidation, and gene expression.
- Supports claims even at low dosage levels provided in the formula.
NAD3
- Preclinical studies: activates SIRT1, modulates mitochondrial biogenesis, reduces inflammation, and improves cellular markers of aging.
- Human study (12 weeks, 28 adults): improved cholesterol profiles, maintained NAD+:NADH ratio, and supported NAD+ metabolism without safety concerns.
- Theacrine component shown to enhance energy, reduce fatigue, and improve concentration.
Key Supported Claims
- Niacinamide: Essential for NAD/NADH production, energy metabolism, detoxification, and antioxidant regeneration.
- Copper: Required for enzyme activity supporting energy, tissue, neurological, pigmentation, and antioxidant functions.
- NAD3: Promotes healthy NAD+ levels, mitochondrial function, heart health, cholesterol balance, energy, and resilience to aging stress.
Limitations & Recommendations
- Current claims rely on individual ingredient studies; full clinical testing of the complete formula would provide stronger substantiation.
- Report is scientific/regulatory in nature, not a legal review (a formal attorney review is recommended).
Prepared by
- Susan J. Hewlings, PhD, RD
- Douglas S. Kalman, PhD, RD