It’s a fact of life today – we are looking for the fast way out, the quick fix, whether we are fighting a cold, losing weight or looking younger. In some cases, a medication or supplement could be a good start in battling many of the ills that we might face. In other instances, weight loss plans for example, a quick fix is simply not going to cut it.

So what’s the deal with anti-aging supplements? Can we really pop a vitamin pill or two every day and expect to see the years melt away? The results probably won’t be as dramatic as all that, and you may not see any results at all. It appears that the jury is still out as to whether anti-aging supplements are fact or fiction.

The Facts

One of the main culprits in the aging process is free radicals. Free radicals can be found in the environment through pollution and the UV rays of the sun. Stress and smoking can also contribute to the production of free radicals. These free radicals can cause the deterioration of cells and tissue, which leads to the sagging skin and fine lines and wrinkles that appear as we age.

Antioxidants are the substances that can bind with free radicals and effectively neutralize them. Where do we find antioxidants? Mostly in certain types of foods, through certain types of nutrients, but vitamin supplements can contain them as well. Vitamins A, C, D, E, beta carotene and Coenzyme Q10 are all antioxidants that we can find in foods and vitamin pills.

If free radicals are the main cause of aging, and antioxidants can effectively neutralize these nasty free radicals, then taking vitamins containing antioxidants should reverse the aging process, right? Hmm, that seems to be where the connection gets really muddy as to the link between vitamins and a younger appearance.

The Fiction

No matter what a marketer or manufacturer tells you; no fountain of youth has yet been discovered. That goes for “wonder” creams, magical serums – and vitamin supplements. While an anti-aging supplement might benefit you in a number of other ways, and may have a slight effect on the aging process, you are probably not going to turn back the clock by popping a pill. However, there are plenty of other good reasons to take supplements, especially if you are not meeting your nutritional needs through a balanced diet.

If you want to try out one of these anti-aging supplements, check with your doctor first. Never assume that just because a product advertises itself as “natural” that it should not be taken without some caution and discernment. If your doc gives you the green light, go ahead and give it a try.   It may not be the fountain of youth, but it could slow the process down and improve your quality of life in the meantime.

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