Nutritional Supplements for Healthy Aging: A Critical Analysis Review.

2024-04-09
American journal of lifestyle medicine 19(3)
- Matthew W Kaufman
- Sarah DeParis
- Marily Oppezzo
- Cheri Mah
- Megan Roche
- Levi Frehlich
- Michael Fredericson

PubMed: 39554957
DOI: 10.1177/15598276241244725

Study Design

Type: Review

Background: Healthy aging is defined as survival to advanced age while retaining autonomy in activities of daily living, high societal participation, and good quality of life. Sarcopenia, insomnia, cognitive impairment, and changes in sensation can be key hinderances to healthy aging, but nutritional supplements may abate their impact. As research advances, an updated review on their efficacy on age-related conditions is warranted. Results: Sarcopenia can be mitigated through proper protein intake, supplements like creatine, and in certain situations Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin D, in adults over 65. Melatonin supplementation has moderate evidence for improving sleep, while valerian root lacks evidence. Magnesium, tart cherry, and kiwifruits have shown promising impacts on sleep in limited articles. Magnesium, Vitamin D, and B vitamin supplementation have been shown to improve cognition in those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease but require further study prior to recommendation. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study supplement combination is routinely recommended to reduce risk of progression to advance stages of age-related macular degeneration. Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Folate have been investigated for their roles in mitigating age-related hearing losses. Conclusions: Nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes may mitigate disabilities across multiple domains of age-related illnesses and promote healthy aging.

Research Insights

Magnesium→Improved Cognition
Magnesium, Vitamin D, and B vitamin supplementation have been shown to improve cognition in those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Magnesium→Improved Sleep
Magnesium, tart cherry, and kiwifruits have shown promising impacts on sleep in limited articles.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Protein→Reduced Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia can be mitigated through proper protein intake, supplements like creatine, and in certain situations Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin D, in adults over 65.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Valerian Root→Improved Sleep
Magnesium, tart cherry, and kiwifruits have shown promising impacts on sleep in limited articles.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin B9→Mitigated Age-Related Hearing Loss
Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Folate have been investigated for their roles in mitigating age-related hearing losses.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Improved Cognition
Magnesium, Vitamin D, and B vitamin supplementation have been shown to improve cognition in those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin D→Reduced Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia can be mitigated through proper protein intake, supplements like creatine, and in certain situations Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin D, in adults over 65.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
kiwi→Improved Sleep
Magnesium, tart cherry, and kiwifruits have shown promising impacts on sleep in limited articles.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
tart cherry→Improved Sleep
Magnesium, tart cherry, and kiwifruits have shown promising impacts on sleep in limited articles.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small