One of the primary underlying mechanisms responsible for age-related health decline is oxidative stress, and this refers to the progressive damage caused by oxygen-free radicals on cells. Costs associated with treating age-related cognitive decline and muscle weakness are expected to substantially increase along with the aging population. Antioxidant compounds found within food are capable of neutralizing these harmful oxygen-free radicals to reduce cell damage and slow down age-related health decline.
Sometimes people turn to supplements to fill in nutritional gaps that offer comparable or greater health protection. Scientists, led by Professor Koji Fukui affiliated with the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) and including Dr. Fukka You from Gifu University found that administering a blended mix of antioxidant supplements to aged mice significantly improved their spatial cognition, short-term memory, and muscle durability.
“In this study, significant improvements were observed in the spatial learning ability and short-term memory in supplement-treated aged mice. Long-term intake of blended antioxidant supplements may be effective, even considering the effects of aging and related increased oxidation in the body,” explains Prof. Fukui, the lead researcher of the study.
Memory loss is associated with several debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, this study suggests that the blended antioxidant supplements may also be potentially beneficial in preventing memory loss in humans. Another age-related disease called sarcopenia significantly affects mobility and often leads to social isolation and increases the risk of developing cognitive disorders. This study also suggests that the blended antioxidant supplements could potentially help to mitigate muscle frailty and associated risks in humans.
“Frailty and sarcopenia are now serious problems and potent risk factors for dementia. Although the mechanism is unknown, it is groundbreaking that taking supplements may be able to prevent muscle weakness,” notes Prof. Fukui.
“Although many types of antioxidant supplements are available, the effect is greater if multiple types are taken simultaneously rather than one type. However, it is difficult to know which type and how much to take, as it is possible to take too many of some vitamins,” Prof. Fukui observes. “We recommend only taking multivitamins that are guaranteed to be safe,” he cautions.
Although it is best to get vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from whole food sources, supplements can help those with less-than-optimal diets. The antioxidant blend used in this study was Twendee X, which has a similar composition to the commercially available supplement Oxycut®. However, it was noted that specific antioxidant blends may have varying effects on the human body, their use should be ideally based on clinical evidence, and further research is necessary to establish their safety and efficacy in humans.
The researchers believe that over the long term, the optimal use of antioxidant supplements may significantly help to reduce age-related health decline. Stating that, “In the future, there will come a time when we will provide multi-supplements tailored to each individual. There will be no need to worry about overdosing,” concludes Prof. Fukui.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.shibaura-it.ac.jp/en/headline/detail/20240327_7070_001.html
