If you were asked to rattle off a list of supplements that can help prevent signs of aging, chances are you could at least identify some of the most commonly spoken about ones: collagen, vitamin C for collagen synthesis, and omega-3 fatty acid may be at the top of your list.
But what if you’re up to the challenge of boosting your anti-aging prowess even further and trying less popular supplements on for size? If that’s the case, Neuroscientist Robert W.B. Love and Dr. Josh Helman are more than happy to suggest five supplements you probably aren’t taking — and may not even know exist.
Before you start any new supplement, it’s important to speak with your doctor about your personal health needs and how these may (or may not) fit into your goals or work alongside any other medications you may be taking. Here are five “powerful” anti-aging supplements that Love and Helman say could reverse signs of aging.
1. Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide is a vasodilator that improves circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your organs, tissues, and cells for faster cell repair (and this can help keep you look and feeling younger). It also reduces inflammation and combats oxidative stress, both of which can have a significant impact on the state of your skin and lead to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and more. As we age, our mitochondrial health declines, but this supplement gives it a boost to keep cells healthy and fit.
2. NMN
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a powerful precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is important for your metabolism and cell repair (are you seeing a theme here? Cell repair is a key component of keeping the body healthy and youthful). Like Nitric Oxide, it improves mitochondrial function and can prevent skin cells and your body from having to battle the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation.
3. Honokiol
Honokiol actually derives from the plant honeysuckle. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been show to help boost collagen production in the skin. This is a fairly new supplement that we’re still learning about, but there are signs that it supports mitochondrial function and can even protect your DNA from damage.
Dr. Helman says this one can actually "reverse your biological clock!"
4. Pectisol
Pectisol comes from modified citrus pectin (found in the peel and pulp of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons). It has been shown to help the body detoxify and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition to protecting the cells, this supplement may improve circulation and play a role in boosting collagen production.
5. Creatine
Perhaps the most well-known of the five supplements mentioned here, creatine is naturally found in muscle cells but can decline with age. This supplement contains three amino acids that can improve overall cell health, boost your endurance while exercising, help build muscle, and prevent fatigue. It can also decrease oxidative stress and there is some evidence that, when combined with resistance training, creatine can improve bone health.
