Please check with your health care provider before taking any supplements, especially if you are taking prescription drugs.  You should inquire specifically if there are any cross reactions with drugs or supplements you are already taking or side effects, and you can check at drugdigest.org, ajc.com, and drugs.com. 

    There are hundreds of supplements available, and each must be evaluated individually with good scientific studies.  Probably each individual will have their own unique selection of supplements; the following are the author's favorites. 

    The two most important supplements are a good multivitamin/nutrient formula and omega 3 fish oil.  The Life Extension Mix Capsules and Tablets are an expensive but excellent blend of 93 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and botanical extracts.  Included are multiple vitamins and minerals, and citrus bioflavonoids which reduce easy bruising of forearms of elderly persons, as well as various  antioxidants and anti-cancer agents.  Multiple vegetable and fruit extracts are included, and milk thistle extract,  luteolin which provides the best DNA protection of 27 flavonoids, and lutein which is critical to prevent age-related macular degeneration.  Green tea with ECGC, grape and grape seed extracts which have anthocyanidins, and sesame lignans are present.   1000 I.U. Vitamin D are included and the author takes an additional 2000 units based on Vitamin D blood levels.  Many other less expensive  products are available. 

    Most Vitamin E is alpha tocopherol and by adding a separate pill of Gamma E Tocopherol the Vitamin E becomes more effective (vitamin E consists of 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols).

      Fish oil with omega 3 oils EPA and DHA can reduce inflammation according to Barry Sears.  IFOS standards assure quality.  Two to three grams of fish oil per day is generally recommended but can be adjusted depending on your lab tests.  Small risks of bleeding, reduced glycemic control and suppression of the immune system have been identified by the FDA, and persons with congestive heart failure should talk with their physician before taking fish oil. 

    There have been many studies concerning omega 3 fish oils, here are a few. Japanese men with elevated glucose had a reduction of carotid artery thickness with EPA.  Patients with high triglycerides had a 45% reduction in triglycerides and a 50% reduction in VLDL, a bad type of cholesterol.  Sudden death and non-fatal cardiac events were reduced in other studies.  Children with learning and behavioral problems improved with fish oil, and also children with autism.  There was increased grey and white brain matter in patients with schizophrenia and Huntington's. In mice brains the amyloid plaques typical of Alzheimer's were decreased. 

    See the Anti-Aging Supplements page for specific anti-aging ideas, and the Preventive Supplements page for specific disease prevention ideas.  There are criticisms of taking nutritional supplements, see quackwatch.org, New England Skeptical, and NIH Panel, versus support.  The information in this website is general in nature and no specific medical advice is given to any individual.