While aging cannot be fully reversed, you can slow it down and protect against age-related diseases with certain supplements that have been proven beneficial. InsideTracker recommends these if they meet our evidence threshold.
TikTok users have been discussing NAD+ as a potential anti-aging drug; however, more research must be completed.
Collagen
Collagen is one of the body’s most abundant proteins, accounting for one-third of total proteins and playing an essential role in skin strength, structure and elasticity. Collagen also plays a role in keeping joints working smoothly as well as keeping tendons, ligaments and cartilage healthy; no wonder collagen has become such an in-demand beauty ingredient – from coffee and cereal bars to protein bars; touted as providing glowing, plump and youthful skin while helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles!
Human bodies produce collagen from amino acids derived from foods like chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, whole grains and beans containing these building blocks of proteins. Vitamin C, zinc and copper also play an integral part in collagen production; those on restrictive diets are especially at risk of decreasing collagen levels which leads to faster skin aging as well as other potential health concerns.
Supplemental collagen can be found in many over-the-counter dietary supplements, including capsules, powders, gel capsules, tablets and gummies. It can also be found in food such as bone broth and gelatin. While studies demonstrate its numerous health benefits, when choosing an animal-sourced collagen product made ethically from ethically raised sources it will ensure the protein remains free of chemicals or potential contaminants that might compromise its purity.
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial properties of collagen supplements on skin hydration and elasticity, helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously encouraging thicker hair and healthier nails by reducing hair loss and stimulating growth. They have even been found effective at treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by improving cartilage function and decreasing inflammation.
However, its effects take time to take hold and there’s limited information regarding their efficacy in low-income populations. Therefore, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to taking any supplements – particularly new ones – that may cause complications.
Green blends
Green blends are combinations of herbs, vegetables, fruits and seaweed that can be added to juice or smoothies to increase nutrient intake. Green blends tend to be rich in antioxidants which may slow down aging processes while improving health overall and fighting fatigue and increasing immunity – but beware that these supplements should not replace regular meals!
Some brands of greens powders also contain probiotics and digestive enzymes to aid with digestion, while others feature ingredients like ginkgo bilboa or ginseng to support immune health. Some also contain prebiotics or soluble fiber for absorption purposes – so try various products until you find one that fits.
Greens powders are an ideal option for people who lack access to fruit and vegetables or don’t know how to prepare their own meals, and many use this supplement to increase energy levels, combat tiredness and fatigue and provide antioxidants that protect against disease while reducing inflammation – some even provide protein for muscle building or repair!
Manufacturers that process whole foods into supplements and powders lose some of the vitamins and minerals present, making it best to consume unprocessed, whole food rather than taking supplements, especially leafy green vegetables like spinach which lose some fiber and vitamin C when ground into powder form. If taking greens powder as medicine, select products independently verified for purity and potency.
Myvegan’s Green Superfood Blend contains natural extracts designed to give a boost of energy, relieve tiredness and fight fatigue. Careful selection of its ingredients includes C, D and iodine as well as chlorophyll for its full body benefits.
Manufacturers of greens powders may make exaggerated claims that their supplements will reverse aging, prompting customers to be skeptical. However, the top brands can back their claims with scientific evidence and third-party testing as well as offer full transparency to customers.
Curcumin
Curcumin, found in turmeric spice, is an impressive anti-aging polyphenol that has been studied on animals and humans alike for its anti-ageing benefits. Research on this substance has demonstrated its anti-ageing capabilities through increasing levels of sirtuins while inhibiting pro-age proteins such as NF-kB. In addition, curcumin has increased life span of Caenorhabditis elegans worms while simultaneously decreasing oxidative stress within cells – results which indicate its immense potential as an anti-ageing supplement!
One of the major causes of aging is chronic inflammation. Curcumin can help combat and treat many age-related conditions by blocking this response, slowing glycation (where sugar attaches itself to proteins and fats), and blocking production of proinflammatory molecules and enzymes such as COX-2, LOX, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Studies have also shown that curcumin can help strengthen the endothelium, or blood vessel lining, of healthy middle-aged adults, providing them with increased endothelial function and increasing nitric oxide bioavailability as well as decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation levels. This effect is crucial for heart health as it regulates both blood pressure and clotting rates. One such study found that 12 weeks of curcumin supplementation improved resistance artery endothelial function as well as increasing bioavailability as well as decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation compared with placebo subjects.
Curcumin has also been shown to halt one of the key stages in cancer development, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT occurs when cancer cells lose cell-cell adhesion and polarity and become invasive and metastatic. Curcumin in particular prevented EMT in breast cancer cells by increasing miR181b expression while simultaneously downregulating vimentin and MMPs production.
Other studies have discovered that curcumin can combat depression by increasing levels of BDNF, an important molecule for brain cell communication and nerve impulse generation. Depression is linked with reduced levels of BDNF due to biological factors; curcumin may help treat or prevent depression by improving endothelium function and decreasing accumulation of damaged senescent cells that contribute to illness.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in fighting infection, healing wounds and maintaining healthy skin. Furthermore, as an antioxidant it protects cells against damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules produced when we break down food or are exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution or tobacco smoke).
Vitamin C is an antioxidative that scavenges and neutralizes free radicals found in our bodies, helping prevent some of their damage and slow tumor growth. According to one recent study, it may even extend survival for cancer patients.
Vitamin C has long been recognized for its immune-enhancing benefits. But it also plays a crucial role in collagen formation – an integral component of skin, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments production. Vitamin C plays an integral part in metabolic reactions as well as iron absorption processes.
Though vitamin C provides numerous health advantages, it’s important to remember that excessive doses can be dangerous and have been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, and digestive issues. Furthermore, at high concentrations it can become pro-oxidant instead of probiotic; potentially damaging cells rather than supporting them.
Due to FDA regulations not covering supplements as strictly as they would prescription medications, it’s essential that any product purchased be from a trustworthy company and has undergone adequate testing. Herrmann suggests searching for L-ascorbic acid-rich formulas with added vitamin E support; similarly she cautions against purchasing anything which has changed color as this could indicate oxidation and degradation, rendering them ineffective.
