Anti- Aging supplements - Exposed

There are many anti-aging vitamins on the market, claiming to make you look younger or stop the aging process.  They are also classified as antioxidants.  But I always believe in claims based on scientific evidence like clinical case studies done by reputable institutions.  There is a conflict among experts; they have different opinions which makes me more confused and skeptical. Say for vitamin E alone, everyone knows that this vitamin is a good antioxidant but latest clinical studies show that it can cause more harm than good, so what's the deal?  I just go by my gut feel.But before we look at these antioxidants, what do antioxidants really do? They are substances that help neutralize free radicals in our body. Free radicals are like bowling bowls thrown inside the house, causing damage on every items they hit. That is a simple explanation. Antioxidants sort of catch these bowling balls before they wreak havoc. According to Dr. Lester Packer, Ph D who is a renowned antioxidant research scientist, scientists believe that free radicals are causal factors in nearly every known disease, from heart disease to arthritis to cancer and cataracts.  In fact, free radicals are culprit in the aging process itself.  So they are good then, but how do we get them?

 1. Vitamin C - it belongs to the water soluble group of vitamins.  It is needed by the body for collagen formation,collagen is an essential skin protein without it the skin will sag and appear dull. The issue with vitamin C supplementation is that vitamin C pills easily oxidizes when exposed to air rendering it useless or ineffective and may increase the formation of free radicals.  You might want to consider using skin care products that has vitamin C. But be cautious though  some creams with vitamin  C can be irritating because its an acid.

2.Vitamin e - I did believe for the longest time now that I needed vitamin E supplements.  But latest clinical studies show that 400 iu vitamin E may actually cause more harm than good.  The American Heart Association encouraged getting this vitamin from a healthy diet. Sources of vitamin E are broccoli, spinach, peanut butter, peanuts, corn oil, kiwi, tomato, almonds, hazelnuts and wheat germ oil. The recommended dietary allowance for female on our age group is 15mg or 22.4 iu.

3. beta carotene- I believe that if i get this supplement, I will not get cancer. Lets investigate. based on a clinical trial, oral supplements may cause more harm than good. One study shows evidence high levels of beta carotene has no benefit and substantial proof of possible harm.(1)

4. glutathione - the best antioxidant in the planet; it is an antioxidant, immune booster and detoxifier.  But taken orally it is ineffective because it is destroyed in the gut. Witschi A, Reddy S, Stofer B, Lauterburg BH. The systemic availability of oral glutathione. It has to be injected ( needles?, ewww). Some suggest taking glutathione precursors instead like n acetyl cysteine but I never took this supplement because there are no clinical studies for long term use. Dietary source that boost levels of glutathione are asparagus, broccoli,  avocado and fresh unprocessed meat.  Just to add, broccoli is known to help in weight reduction particularly in the abdominal area.



So based on hard evidence, we really do not need vitamin supplements.  I can stop feeling guilty when I miss one pill or two.  As the doctors say, it is best to get those vitamins from natural sources.


1. Omenn GS, Goodman GE, Thornquist MD, et al. Risk factors for lung cancer and for intervention effects in CARET, the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1996;88(21):1550-1559. [abstract]

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1 comments:

Unknown said...

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I am a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, did practice nursing for awhile but its not my forte. I did manage to be a charge nurse at the coronary intensive care unit. I worked for an International Pharmaceutical company handling dermatologic products, that is when my passion for beauty started.

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