An article on the website Eat This, Not That provides information from various clinical studies that explored the use of certain nutritional supplements that many registered dietitians may recommend due to their antiaging properties. One of the supplements recommended is curcumin, which is believed to fight free-radical damage that leads to aging. According to Alicia Galvin, RD, resident dietitian, “Curcumin activates certain proteins, like AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps combat cellular damage and promotes longevity.”

Another recommended supplement is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a polyphenol concentrated in green tea. Galvin says, “It induces autophagy, the process by which your body removes damaged cellular material.” Moreover, a small study of 73 overweight and obese women that was published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies reported that EGCG was found to diminish LDL, or  “bad” cholesterol, and increase levels of leptin, a hormone associated with satiety.  

CoQ10 is another recommended supplement. CoQ10 declines with age, and the use of CoQ10 supplements may help diminish the accumulation of free radicals, which speed up the aging process. Additionally, certain medications may deplete CoQ10, such as tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, statins, metformin, and thiazide diuretics. Patients should be advised to discuss this issue with their primary healthcare provider to ascertain whether CoQ10 supplementation is needed. Galvin also recommends the use of resveratrol, a compound found in a number of red wines, red fruits, and peanuts, among other foods. She states, “Resveratrol may promote longevity by activating genes called sirtuins. This doesn't mean you can drink red wine and not age, but as a supplement, resveratrol can be very effective.”

Another dietitian, Diana Gariglio-Clelland, RD, recommends the use of vitamin D supplements. She notes, “Vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium, which fuels bone health and may reduce the risk for fracture.” Gariglio-Clelland also referred to a study published in 2015 in the Journal of Advanced Research that indicated that vitamin D has also been correlated with diminished UV damage. Fellow dietitian Michelle Darian, MS, MPH, RD, recommends omega-3 fatty acids since they are known for both cardiovascular and cognition benefits, which are vital as a person ages.

Pharmacists are likely to encounter patients seeking counsel on the use of nutritional supplements, and they are well positioned to screen for possible drug-nutrient interactions and contraindications and to ascertain if use of one or more of the aforementioned supplements would be appropriate for the patient. Patients with preexisting conditions and those taking medications should be advised to check with their primary healthcare provider before taking any supplements. 

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.

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