Classes of Nutritional Supplements
Anti-aging supplements fall broadly into three major groups: A) Anti-Oxidant Axis, B) Hormonal Axis, and C) Specialized Functions Axis. Here are the three major groups and some of the key supplements they contain:
1. Antioxidant Axis:
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* Selenium - a mineral
* Magnesium - a mineral
* Glutathione- an amino acid
* Coenzyme Q-10
2. Hormonal Axis:
* Chromium - a mineral to enhance hormones
* DHEA - a hormone replacement
* Estrogen - a hormone replacement
* Progesterone - a hormone replacement
* Testosterone - a hormone replacement
* Melatonin - a hormone replacement
* Glutamine - an amino acid with pro-hormone activity
3. Specialized Function Axis:
* Bone Function Enhancers - calcium - a mineral; certain herbs
* Brain Function - Gingko biloba - an herb
* Brain Function - B Vitamin
* Brain Function - Phosphatidyl Serine - a fatty acid
* PProstate Health - Saw Palmetto
* Immunity Health - Zinc - a mineral
A note of precaution in reference to taking some of these supplements.
1. Magnesium- do not take excessive amounts if you have kidney problems or severe heart failure.
2. Gingko biloba - don’t take excessive amounts if you have blood clotting problems.
3. Fish Oil - don’t take excessive amount if you have blood-clotting problems.
4. Niacin - liver toxicity in large doses has been reported.
Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before embarking on any nutritional supplementation program, especially if you have accompanying medical conditions.
