Derek Giordano

Background

Derek Giordano has spent over a decade systematically reviewing longevity and healthspan research. His editorial methodology — primary literature first, evidence weight over anecdote, explicit uncertainty disclosure, and verifiable sourcing — reflects the standards of rigorous science journalism.

Derek is not a physician. His role is to synthesize peer-reviewed research accurately and accessibly. Every claim on IQ Healthspan is sourced to published studies, every citation is verifiable, and readers are always encouraged to consult their healthcare providers before making medical decisions.

Research Methodology

Every article on IQ Healthspan follows a structured research and editorial process designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and utility. The process is documented here so readers can evaluate the rigor behind the content they read.

Step 1 — Literature Review: Each article begins with a systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for relevant peer-reviewed research. Priority is given to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Observational studies and cohort data are used when RCT evidence is unavailable, and the distinction is always disclosed in the article text.

Step 2 — Evidence Hierarchy: All claims are tagged by evidence quality. Human RCT data receives the highest weight. Large-scale observational data (e.g., Framingham Heart Study, UK Biobank) is cited as supportive evidence. Animal and in vitro studies are noted where relevant but are never the primary basis for a claim about human health outcomes. When only animal evidence exists, the article states this explicitly.

Step 3 — Writing and Citation: Articles are drafted with inline numbered citations linking to PubMed or DOI identifiers. Readers can verify every factual claim independently. The goal is not to persuade, but to accurately represent the state of the evidence and help readers make informed decisions in consultation with their healthcare providers.

Step 4 — Fact-Check and Update Cycle: Articles are reviewed for accuracy against current literature when major new trials are published. Supplement evidence grades in the database are updated when new systematic reviews or RCTs change the evidence landscape. All updates are noted with the date of revision.

Editorial Principles

Coverage Areas

Derek's research and writing covers the full spectrum of evidence-based longevity science. Key areas include:

Epigenetics & Biological Aging: Horvath clocks, GrimAge, DunedinPACE, DNA methylation, and the science of measuring biological age. Derek has written extensively on how epigenetic clocks work, which commercial tests are worth taking, and how lifestyle interventions affect methylation patterns.

Cardiovascular Risk & Biomarkers: ApoB, Lp(a), coronary artery calcium scoring, hs-CRP, homocysteine, and the shift from traditional LDL-based risk assessment to causal, particle-based models. Articles in this area draw on Mendelian randomization studies and the work of cardiologists including Thomas Dayspring and Allan Sniderman.

Exercise Physiology: VO₂ max as a mortality predictor, Zone 2 training protocols, resistance training and sarcopenia prevention, HIIT vs steady-state comparisons, and the dose-response relationship between physical activity and all-cause mortality.

Nutritional Science: Mediterranean diet evidence, time-restricted eating, caloric restriction, protein requirements across the lifespan, metabolic flexibility, and the gut microbiome's role in aging.

Supplement & Pharmacology Review: Evidence grading for 40+ longevity compounds including NMN, NR, creatine, omega-3s, berberine, metformin, rapamycin, and GLP-1 agonists. Each compound is graded A through D (or Rx for prescription-only) based exclusively on human trial data.

Sleep Science: Sleep architecture, circadian rhythm biology, slow-wave sleep optimization, melatonin, and the impact of sleep deprivation on epigenetic aging and metabolic health.

Editorial Independence

IQ Healthspan does not accept sponsorship, advertising, or affiliate commissions from supplement manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, longevity clinics, or any entity whose products or services are evaluated in our content. This policy exists because financial relationships — even well-intentioned ones — create incentives that compromise editorial integrity.

Our supplement evidence grades are determined solely by published research. When we grade resveratrol as Grade D despite its massive marketing presence, or grade creatine as Grade A despite its low profit margins for supplement companies, those grades reflect the evidence — not commercial relationships. This independence is non-negotiable and will remain so.

The site is supported through non-intrusive display advertising (served via third-party ad networks with no editorial input) and by reader support. Advertising placement never influences which compounds receive favorable evidence grades, which topics are covered, or what conclusions articles reach.