Anti-aging supplements have risen in popularity. This is due largely to people seeking ways to maintain their youth and verve. Anti-wrinkle creams have been on the market for decades for instance. But, now, it is natural and synthetic supplements that are capturing the popular imagination.
The world's population is living longer. However, this doesn't mean the symptoms of aging are no longer a concern. As the body grows older there are visible signs such as graying hair, or lines. Skin becomes less elastic, and joints become stiffer.
Health and wellness supplements contain ingredients that may help to improve certain physical and mental attributes as people age. Omega-3 fatty acids for example are used to improve cognitive function such as memory.
It is necessary though to separate what is factual from unproven.
What happens to the body as it begins to age?
As you have read, some of the effects of aging are visible. Hair may thin out and age spots can appear. Many other signs are less noticeable, at least at first. Cognitive abilities may decline, and muscles slowly lose mass.
There are several theories about how people age. One of which is aimed at genomic instability. This theory purports that the human body becomes unable to repair DNA damage over time.
Other theories include the free radical theory where aging is due to oxidative stress build-up. And one more purports that general wear and tear and the breakdown of cells are responsible.
Whatever the actual reasons behind human aging, it has led to an industry producing supplements to enhance vitality and youthful appearance. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide or NMN supplements are popular due to their DNA-repairing properties.
NMN naturally occurs in humans and is converted into something known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD. And this is responsible for metabolizing energy and reducing cellular stress.
You can read more about NAD and other supplements a little further down the article.
What key nutrients slow the symptoms of aging?
There is a vast number of anti-aging products. The sheer volume makes it difficult to understand what is effective. And what may be superfluous...
Some essential nutrients to slow aging include:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin C
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin E
Resveratrol
Coenzyme Q10
Bioactive compounds and minerals help slow the aging process. Some supplements may lower the risk of certain illnesses too. And others help to alleviate symptoms typically linked with aging such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Antioxidants play a huge part in anti-aging supplements. Supplements containing antioxidants help to stop free radicals causing damage to cells. When cells are damaged, the aging process is accelerated.
How do different supplements help to slow aging?
A commonly asked question is simply, why do people get old? There are many theories and yet no definitive answer. Therefore, the supplements available for anti-aging are aimed at different theories.
Antioxidants fight free radicals. NAD (NMN supplements) helps to repair DNA damage. Collagen and glucosamine help to fight the wear and tear of joints.
An active compound in turmeric is thought to prevent cognitive decline. Curcumin has been trialed in studies with positive results. Evidence shows curcumin could lessen the chances of dementia.
Below you can see some of the supplements available. And how these anti-aging products work.
Vitamin C and anti-aging
This powerful antioxidant is used in many different anti-aging supplements. Vitamin C has been used throughout the years to prevent colds and battle against infections. Vitamin C tablets may be the most popular and common form of supplements available.
And vitamin C helps to slow down the unwanted consequences of aging. Vitamin C helps to fight free radicals due to its antioxidant properties. But, it also helps with collagen production. This means that skin retains elasticity and thus develops fewer wrinkles.
Vitamin C helps to brighten skin and this may lead to age spots and blemishes fading. Vitamin C, therefore, contributes to a glowing and perhaps more youthful appearance.
The anti-aging compound resveratrol
One supplement many people already enjoy is found in red wine. Resveratrol is a natural compound that is contained in berries.
This compound has been studied and found to have anti-aging properties. It is perhaps one of the reasons why many believe red wine has health benefits.
Of course, red wine also contains alcohol which is a toxin. Harmful toxins speed up the aging process. Nevertheless, resveratrol is an antioxidant that stimulates cellular functions that increase lifespan.
The human body is put under stress daily by toxins. There are many ways that air pollution affects people. Harmful toxins affect respiratory systems. And some toxins are said to impact mental well-being and result in depression and cognitive decline.
Antioxidants help assist the body's natural defenses and can help with detoxification and purging of harmful toxins.
Hormonal balance and supplements
Hormones need to be carefully balanced for optimal health. However, as the body ages, hormonal imbalance can occur. Testosterone may drop in males and females at times. And menopause affects hormonal balance too.
Supplements such as maca root are said to be able to help manage menopause symptoms. Maca has been used for years in Peru as herbal medicine. Yet, more studies need to happen to establish its efficacy.
One thing is vital; establishing the root cause of hormonal imbalance. For instance, if poor gut health is the cause of hormonal imbalance then probiotic supplements may help.
The benefits of Coenzyme Q10
Another antioxidant that helps to prevent cellular damage. This is a natural compound that is found in every human cell. Its role includes producing energy and fighting free radicals.
Because Coenzyme Q10 enhances energy production and prevents blood clots, supplements including this compound may help fight against heart-related illnesses.
Collagen and your skin
This protein is essential for helping skin to remain firm and elastic. Collagen is what stops wrinkles from forming and helps with tissue growth. The market is swamped with different products stamped with the word collagen. There are even so-called 'beauty drinks' available and advertised as containing collagen.
There is no evidence that collagen drinks provide any benefit to skin or hair. Nevertheless, collagen is critical for healthy skin and tissue repair. Therefore, many supplements include vitamin C and peptides that promote collagen production.
Wrinkle reduction and peptides
While on the subject of collagen, it would be amiss to ignore the science behind peptides.
Peptides are amino acids. These make up some of the building blocks of protein. Healthy skin needs peptides.
The effects of collagen on the skin include improved hydration and elasticity. This leads to healthier and younger-looking skin.
Peptides are transmitters that tell the brain to carry out certain physical functions such as producing collagen. So, peptide supplements may help to trick the body into producing more collagen and result in a more youthful appearance.
Summary
The science behind many supplements is aimed at known quantities. Antioxidants for instance are proven to reduce the effects of aging and fight against cell damage. NMN supplements help to repair DNA damage. And collagen is vital for healthy skin and joints.
However, many other supplement ingredients may offer promising possibilities in the anti-aging arena. Yet, more research will need to be undertaken before conclusive evidence is found. No doubt, with the popularity of anti-aging products, these studies will be short in coming.
