While the natural aging of the skin and body is inevitable, experts suggest that excessive intake of certain supplements can speed up this process after the age of 40. Robert Love, a neuroscientist and popular TikTok influencer, mainly dedicates his expertise to Alzheimer’s prevention through a blend of scientific insights and practical dietary recommendations.
In a recent TikTok video, he discussed the negative effects of overconsuming vitamin B12 and iron supplements, like “looking older.” He also offered additional advice and alternatives for achieving healthier, more radiant skin and overall well-being for women over 40.
Doctor Recommends Not Taking 'Too Much' Of These 2 Supplements Over 40 For Younger-Looking Skin
1. Vitamin B12
The doctor noted that "this one was a surprise to me," and explained: "research out of UCLA finds that those who take a vitamin B 12 supplement can increase acne." He went on: "Now, I don't recommend a B 12 supplement. Instead, take a whole B complex." Love pointed out that this is "going to be much healthier for your brain, much healthier for your body, and I believe, better for your skin. Healthline reports that excessive vitamin B12 intake can lead to rosacea, a condition characterized by facial redness and pus-filled bumps.
Redcliffe Labs adds that overconsumption of this vitamin may also result in skin rashes, welts, and itching. It's advisable to consult your doctor regarding vitamin B12 and discuss any skin issues, such as signs of aging, to identify the most suitable supplement for you. Nonetheless, experts like Love frequently consider this option to be potentially risky.
2. Iron
The second supplement Love suggested not taking in excess is iron. "Most people in the United States do not need an iron supplement," he said. The health expert continued: "About 2% of men and 10, potentially 20% of women are deficient in iron." He went on to say that "if you're eating eggs and if you're eating meat," you're likely "not deficient in iron." He also recommended "checking in with your medical professional" to know the correct amount of iron to take if you really need it.
"Too much iron can create excess free radicals, and that can damage organs in your body, like your skin," Love stressed. The content creator noted: "Make sure you're not taking too much iron, like in the form of an iron supplement. That can help protect your skin from premature aging." However, he emphasized: "If you are anemic, or instructed by a doctor, please take an iron supplement and eat more iron-rich foods."
2 Better Anti-Aging Supplement Ideas For Healthy Skin
1. L-lysine
L-Lysine is an amino acid that is a primary building block of collagen, Jordan Dorn, supplement expert, holistic nutritionist and co-founder of Zuma Nutrition, tells SheFinds. He notes that the body requires up to 2-3 grams a day for “optimal collagen synthesis,” an amount that is difficult to obtain from diet alone.
“As important as collagen is, I do not recommend taking a typical collagen supplement,” Dorn says, as most collagen supplements on the market come from animals, which “not only often contain the numerous toxins that industrial agriculture animals are fed,” but are also “very difficult” for the body to use. The collagen molecule, in its whole form, is an extremely large molecule that the body cannot effectively break down and utilize, he continues, as he finds it “far more effective to take the specific nutrients,” like l-lysine, that allow your body to generate its own collagen naturally, “as it always has.”
2. L-Proline
L-Proline is another amino acid that is also an essential component of collagen and the elastin fibers that support connective tissue, Dorn says. “L-Proline works in concert with L-Lysine to synthesize collagen, and collagen synthesis requires 1000mg of proline, which like L-Lysine, can be a difficult amount to obtain from diet.” As you’re probably already aware, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for nearly one-third of its protein composition.
Collagen, Dorn adds, gives skin the ability to move, stretch and rebound into shape, and this is known as skin elasticity. “Collagen is not just in the skin, but in our glands, organs, bones, heart valves, brain, liver and lungs as well,” Dorn says. Unfortunately, he continues, after the age of 30, “collagen levels in the body drop 1-2 percent each year, and by age 45 the average person has already lost up to 30%,” leading to wrinkles and a loss of skin elasticity.
@robertwblove AVOID These Two Supplements…because they can make your skin look older. #antiaging #longevity #supplements #skin #skinhealth #aging #iron #b12 #robertwblove ♬ original sound - Robert Love
The Bottom Line
With that said, taking supplements like L-Proline help you “take the precursors and building blocks that allow your body to synthesize its own collagen,” Dorn stresses, so you can “naturally produce collagen daily and your skin health will improve significantly because of it,” taking on a more tone and firm appearance. The more you know!
