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Stem cells and progenitor cells repair and renew tissues; their number and their capacity for activation decline with age. Only factors with real evidence of promoting or rejuvenating stem or progenitor cells are grouped here, not mere antioxidants.
Best supported: exercise mobilizes circulating angiogenic cells (endothelial progenitors) and activates muscle satellite cells; and fasting cycles and caloric restriction regenerate hematopoietic stem cells (Cheng et al., 2014, Cell Stem Cell) and intestinal stem cells (Mihaylova et al., 2018, Cell Stem Cell) — the basis of the fasting-mimicking diet.
With solid preclinical data: NAD+ precursors (NMN, nicotinamide riboside) restore muscle stem cell function in aged mice (Zhang et al., 2016, Science); spermidine activates the autophagy linked to cellular renewal. Cocoa flavanols mobilize circulating angiogenic cells in humans (Heiss et al., 2010, J Am Coll Cardiol).
Note: vitamin D, sulforaphane, resveratrol, quercetin, zinc or green tea have antioxidant or senolytic effects, but no clear evidence of promoting stem cells —some even inhibit tumor stem cells—, which is why they are not included here.
Information, not medical advice.