A scientist studying the biology of aging has revealed the six dietary supplements he consumes daily to prevent health problems and extend his life.
David Clancy, biogerontologist, is a scientist who researches aging and claims that some supplements can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
He consumes six supplements daily to prevent health problems. These include ginkgo biloba, fish oil and folic acid.
Most experts agree that it’s better to get the nutrients you need from food than from supplements. However, supplements are useful if a person is deficient in certain nutrients or cannot get enough from food, or if they are ill according to Insider.
Dr David Clancy, who is 50 and studies the biology of aging at Lancaster University in the UK, told Business Insider that he takes six supplements – some because of supposed benefits he’s read about in scientific studies, and others because he’s identified that he has nutritional deficiencies.
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“I take fish oil for fatty acids because I don’t like fish. Taking magnesium and vitamin D makes sense for everyone my age. Folic acid and B12 make sense for me to take because of the blood test, and ginkgo, well, why not?” he said.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a supplement obtained from the leaves of the tree of the same name, which contain antioxidants and have long been used in traditional medicine.
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest it can help with any condition, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Clancy has been taking this supplement for four years after seeing a small study that suggested it might be helpful for overweight men who want to lose weight. Another study also suggested its potential impact on the cognitive performance of people with dementia.
In Clancy’s opinion, it’s worth a try because it’s widely taken and well tolerated by the body.
“It’s been taken by a lot of people throughout history, so I’m willing to roll the dice and try it because it’s not expensive. It can’t hurt,” he said.
Ginkgo is considered safe in moderate amounts, but side effects can include stomach pain, headaches, skin reactions, and dizziness.
Fish oil
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving eye health, reducing inflammation, and supporting joint health.
A 2018 study found that supplementing with one gram of fish oil per day did not reduce the average risk of cardiovascular events or cancer for the 25,871 participants. However, fish oil appeared to reduce the risk for those who did not eat much fish.
Dr. Howard LeWine, chief medical editor at Harvard Health Publishing, wrote in an article about the benefits of taking fish oil supplements.
“If you don’t eat fish or other seafood, you might benefit from a fish oil supplement. “You more than likely need the full orchestra of fish fats, vitamins, minerals and supportive molecules that come from eating fish for the best results,” he said.
Magnesium
Human aging is often associated with a magnesium deficiency, Clancy said, so he takes a supplement in hopes of increasing his longevity and to regulate his sleep.
A 2021 review of studies found that while there isn’t much long-term research on the effects of magnesium supplements on aging and the development of certain diseases, it’s possible that maintaining healthy levels throughout life can prevent chronic inflammation and extend the life span.
While magnesium plays a critical role in sleep regulation, more research is needed to confirm whether it can improve sleep quality, according to a 2022 review of studies.
Vitamina B12
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps make DNA and keep blood cells and nerve cells healthy. It is found naturally in animal products such as meat, eggs and milk.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, between 1.5 percent and 15 percent of people in the U.S. are deficient in vitamin B12, which can cause weakness or fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, yellowish skin, and loss of appetite.
Most people can get all the vitamin B12 they need from food, but taking supplements may be beneficial for people who have trouble absorbing it or who don’t get enough in their diet, such as vegetarians or vegans, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Folic acid
Folic acid, as vitamin B9 is also known, is important for cell function, especially during pregnancy. It is found in green beans, peas and walnuts, as well as in fruits – oranges, bananas, melons and strawberries.
Although folic acid deficiency is rare in the U.S., the Mayo Clinic recommends folic acid supplements for those whose bodies struggle to absorb it due to poor diets, as well as for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for bone health and strength and also supports the immune system and nervous system.
Most people get vitamin D when their skin is exposed to the sun, as very few foods contain it naturally. But if people don’t get enough exposure, have darker skin, or are older, they may not get enough from the sun alone, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Vitamin D deficiency causes bone pain, fatigue, mood changes, and muscle weakness or cramps.
Source: Insider
Publication date: 01-02-2024 13:05
2024-02-01 11:05:00
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