Anti-aging supplements have reached new heights, with billions, even trillions, of dollars changing hands. But what do we really know about their benefits and risks? <\/p>\n
From Store Shelves to Exclusive Blends<\/b><\/p>\n
Anti-aging supplements are everywhere: your local store, online, and through members-only monthly shipments. They promise to make you feel better and, in some cases, to turn back the clock on aging.<\/p>\n
Some of these products have solid short-term data to support their claims, but many are moving ahead of the science.<\/p>\n
Dr. John Cooke, Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at Houston Methodist, cautions that while there is promise, much remains unknown.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t know if they\u2019re going to have benefits long term, and we certainly don\u2019t know what combinations are going to do,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Dr. Cooke has made remarkable progress in lengthening the lives of children with progeria, a rare disease that causes rapid aging. However, for most people, he believes we need better tools to personalize anti-aging therapies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we had better markers for aging, it would be possible to personalize therapies. It\u2019s a good direction to move toward, but we just need better tools.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Personal Journey with Supplements<\/b><\/p>\n
Jessica St. John has been taking dozens of supplements daily for two years. She shares her experience:<\/p>\n
\u201cI was feeling pretty tired at the end of the day, and I kind of chalked it up to being a mom with kids,\u201d she said. \u201cSince starting this regimen, this is probably the best that I\u2019ve ever felt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her daily routine includes a probiotic, NAC for radical protection, a methylated multivitamin, thyroid support, green tea extract, TA-65 pills and cream, and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI take everything in one day… everything!\u201d<\/p>\n
Jessica notes that her thyroid function and energy have improved significantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI supplement with a thyroid vitamin, and that actually helped a lot. I was able to wean off the thyroid medication,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
She also emphasizes that all her supplements are available over the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been to a few longevity conferences and pieced together what works for me. Some people spend up to two million dollars a year on this. For me, it\u2019s not about living forever; it\u2019s about having energy for my kids and living a good life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Science Behind the Supplements<\/b><\/p>\n
Dr. Cooke explains that while some supplements have evidence to support their use, many lack long-term data.<\/p>\n
Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D, and fish oil have fairly strong data showing they can reduce oxidative stress and improve metabolism.<\/p>\n
He highlights fisetin, a plant flavonoid that may reduce senescent cells \u2014 the aged cells that cause inflammation and damage to surrounding cells.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea is that if you can get rid of these senescent cells, it may help the body. Pre-clinical evidence is promising, but clinical trials have been mixed so far,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Dr. Cooke also notes that many studies on supplements are small and short-term.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need larger studies with better endpoints. Improving insulin sensitivity or extending telomeres sounds good, but we don\u2019t know if that translates to longer, healthier lives,\u201d Cooke explained.<\/p>\n
He points to fish oil and vitamin D as examples where long-term studies show modest benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health.<\/p>\n
The Risks of Self-Experimentation<\/b><\/p>\n
While many consumers are trying supplements on their own, there are risks.<\/p>\n