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Longevity

Best anti-aging supplements and vitamins

99% of people don't get the nutrients they need as they get older. Are anti-aging supplements and vitamins the answer?

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Heights
Heights
May 10, 2022
5 min read

First things first: getting older is inevitable. That’s the case no matter how many anti-aging supplements, creams, pills, or procedures you try. Feeling older, however, is a completely different matter altogether. As we age and achieve life’s important milestones, we take pride in seeing the ways that we feel the same as we always have. 

But there’s just one small wrinkle in that philosophy: on a cellular level, we ARE different, and so we're likely to FEEL different too. Our bodies evolve, and sometimes, the reflection in the mirror can reveal hints of the journey we’ve been on. There's a shift in how we move, how our energy peaks and dips throughout the day, and the ways our mental focus and clarity ebb and flow.

That’s the problem with all the talk of anti-aging; the endless fixes promising to roll back the clock and reverse the aging process. They don’t work and they add to the stigma. We get older, whatever happens. That’s normal, and something we can make the most of.

The question is, how?

While there are no supplements that reverse aging entirely, in this post we'll cover the best supplements for aging well. By that, we mean boosting the vitamins that keep you feeling and looking healthy, so you approach your golden years glowing and graceful.

Article breakdown

Do anti-aging supplements really work?

The key to answering this question is to understand what we mean when we talk about aging.

A supplement promising untold longevity is something to be wary of, but at the same time, there are specific vitamins and minerals that can support the parts of our brain and body that need a little more love as we grow older. That can only be a good thing, so when we talk about anti-aging supplements from here on in, that’s what we’re talking about.

On a cellular level, aging can be measured by the length of DNA structures known as telomeres. As our telomeres shorten, our cells slowly break down, leading to chronic disease and the many symptoms of aging.

Researchers have found that men and women who eat a healthy diet and get the right nutrients have healthier telomeres and physically slow some of the symptoms of the aging process. But beyond just telomere health, there are specific vitamins and minerals that we need to age well. The problem is we're just not getting them.

We aren’t getting the anti-aging vitamins we need

Researchers warn that our nutritional needs change as we get older. But there are three major issues: 

  • Many people don't adjust their diets to their changing needs.

  • As we get older, it becomes more difficult for our bodies to absorb nutrients efficiently.

  • Many older adults are taking medications for various aging-related health conditions, and most of these medications impact how our bodies absorb nutrients.

In fact, an independent survey conducted by Heights found that 99% of us are not getting the nutrition we need for our bodies and brains to thrive. This is startling for anyone of any age, but especially troubling for those of us who are older and need increased nutritional support for our physical health and brain health.

That’s where an anti-aging supplement can be helpful. So what vitamins should it contain?

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The best anti-aging supplements

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There are the specific vitamins and minerals that we need to age well that you should look for in an anti-aging supplement.

We know that caring for your skin is a major concern for many people as they get older, and although we believe aging skin should be celebrated as a life well-lived, we've broken these down into general vitamins for aging well and vitamins that protect skin specifically.

Rather than asking 'which vitamin makes you look younger?', we encourage you to ask 'which vitamin cares for and protects aging skin?'. You see, loving and looking after your skin is the best way to maintain a youthful glow whilst embracing the aging process.

  • B vitamins

    When it comes to finding the best supplement for aging well, looking for B vitamins is a good place to start. They support bowel function, help our bodies to produce healthy blood cells, and improve eye health.

  • Vitamin D

    It improves bone strength and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

  • Vitamin A

    It also supports healthy eyes (specifically vision when lights are dim) and prevents cognitive decline.

  • Zinc

    This mineral supports your immune system.

  • Selenium and iodine

    These minerals are key for thyroid function.

  • Chromium

    It boosts mood and helps us metabolise fats.

  • Vitamin E

    It assists with wound healing.

What supplement is best for aging skin?

  • Biotin It strengthens skin, hair, and nails, which often become dry and brittle as we age.

  • Antioxidants They help to protect cells from damage from free radicals, and this damage is associated with increased signs of aging and a higher risk of disease.

So what's the best supplement for aging well?

Well, one that combines all these vitamins! You want to give yourself the best shot at a long, happy, and healthy life, and getting an adequate amount of all of them is a great way to do so.

On top of that, each of these vitamins and minerals has also been shown in numerous studies to protect brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline, one of the major targets of most anti-aging supplements. 

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