Randomized Controlled Trial
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A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled scientific study commonly employed to test the efficacy and safety of new medical treatments or interventions, including longevity molecules. RCTs aim to eliminate biases in research and provide robust evidence on the benefits and risks of treatments.
The quest for increased lifespan and healthspan has led to the investigation of various molecules believed to impact longevity. These molecules, often termed "longevity molecules", include substances like metformin, resveratrol, and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). RCTs play a crucial role in assessing these molecules' true effects on human health and longevity.
Methodology
- Randomization: Participants are randomly assigned to either the treatment group (receiving the longevity molecule) or the control group (receiving a placebo or standard treatment). This ensures that any observed effects are due to the treatment itself and not other confounding variables.
- Double-Blind Procedure: Both the participants and the researchers are unaware of which group participants are assigned to. This minimizes biases and ensures that expectations do not influence results.
- Placebo-Controlled: The control group receives a placebo—a substance with no therapeutic effect—to ascertain any psychological impact or placebo effect on participants.
Benefits
- Validity: RCTs provide robust evidence because they control for both known and unknown confounding factors.
- Reduced Bias: The double-blind nature minimizes biases that might arise from researcher or participant expectations.
- Clear Outcomes: They provide clear endpoints, allowing for objective comparison between the treatment and control groups.