Antiaging with the Help of Supplements

by: Guy daSilva, MD
Tuesday, July 15, 2008

 An important aspect of Antiaging Medicine is proper nutrition.  Previous generations were able to count on their everyday diets to provide a daily dose of nutrients.

Today, everyday healthy eating is a thing of the past.

Healthy foods are hard to come by and are oftentimes expensive.  daSilva Institute recommends using supplements and vitamins, or nutraceuticals.  

Nutraceuticals are nutritional supplements such as vitamins, herbs, oils or minerals that are used to replace the vitamins and minerals that we can’t get in our present diet.  They also help augment the unhealthy or malnourished foods that we do eat.

The best way to eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to eat organic fruits and vegetables and wild game or fish.  In the United States, however, the soil where our food is grown has become depleted of natural vitamins and minerals.  This has caused the fruits and vegetables we eat to be lower in nutrient value than what our bodies need.   Organic produce does not use pesticide and the organic soil that farmers’ use has added nutrients.  The problem America faces today is that we are too busy to take the time to shop and prepare healthy, homemade meals.  We too frequently eat fast, processed foods that not only limit our intake of nutrients but also increase inflammation in our body putting us at risk for illness and dysfunction.

With many supplements or nutraceuticals on the market the decision of what to buy can be confusing.  The following tips will help you know where to buy your supplements and which ones you need.

First, it is important to find a company that does testing on their products to make sure there are no toxins or contamination in the product.

Second, you want a company that makes their own product.  This way the company you are buying from knows what is in the product and why.

Third, be aware that most of the highest quality supplements and nutraceuticals can only be obtained through your physician.  Many store bought products do not have the quality, freshness or complete balance that you need.

Finally, look for a company that does testing and research to double check the supplements structure, making sure of its ingredients and purposes.  It is important to use a pharmaceutical grade supplement because they guarantee to meet these requirements.    I find that when patient’s opt to hunt and purchase products from health food stores and the internet that don’t meet these standards, they often fall short of the results we are trying to achieve.  

How about supplements Over the Counter?

Buying products over the counter can be convenient and inexpensive but the danger can lie in its contents.  Over the counter supplements are not standardized and the ingredient list may not always be complete.  It can also be dangerous to mix certain supplements with certain medications.  Other nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins can also be dangerous if you take too much.  

Other supplements come with the famed label  “proprietary blend.”  This notation makes it nearly impossible to figure out exactly what is in the capsules they come in.

In today’s society, intermixed with toxins, pesticides, stressors, and radiation, it is important to protect yourself through living a healthy lifestyle filled with good nutrition, supplements, exercise, stress management and hormone balancing.  It is best to seek your physician’s opinion on the supplements you should be taking and where to get them.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements can be used for prevention, to help augments traditional medicine, or as an alternative therapy.  They are the spark plugs and catalysts required for all physiologic reaction in the body.

Let us learn about some of my favorite supplements that are gaining interest in modern medicine.

FATTY ACIDS

By tracking the diet of 4,775 adults for 12 years in 2005, Harvard scientists revealed an association between certain types of risk meals and risk of stroke in men and women aged 65 and over. Eating broiled or baked fish one to four times weekly lowered stroke risk by 28%. Dining on the same fish five or more times per week reduced the risk by 32%. Fried fish and fish sandwich consumption caused 37% increased risk of stroke.

Fatty fish rich in EFA omega-3 fats, which help to alter cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent blood platelets from sticking to artery walls, have gained much positive attention as health-promoting foods.  But some fish should be avoided due to high levels of methyl mercury.  Farmed salmon may contain up to 16 times the PCH levels depending on what they are fed, and this is linked to cancer, neurological impairment, and developmental delays in children.

Trout, tuna, and halibut are rich in omega-3, iron, and magnesium, but are high in methyl mercury. Limit your consumption of these.

Swordfish and shark are very high in methyl mercury and should be totally avoided.

Buyer be aware when purchasing fish-oil to supplement their Omega-3 requirements.  This is because, manufacturers of these supplements typically state “no evidence of mercury” when in fact their method of detection is suboptimal.  I recommend an ultra-purified oil that has been tested free of mercury in parts per trillion, rather than the standard of parts per thousand, which is still toxic to humans.   

Diseases currently being treated with Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids include heart disease, high triglyceride, high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, Psoriasis, autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease, cancer prevention, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular heart rhythms, memory and cognitive decline, eczema, schizophrenia, ulcerative colitis, constipation and much more.

A compound found in olive oil (an Omega-9 fatty acid, called oleocanthal, has anti-inflammatory properties much like those associated with the pain killer ibuprofen,  an NSAID, found US researchers in 2005.  Oleocanthal inhibits Cox enzymes responsible for the inflammation response implicated in headaches and joint pain.  This study not only supports the notion that regular consumption of olive oil might have some of the long term health benefits of ibuprofen, but may help explain olive oils widely reported health benefits such as in lowering the rates of heart disease and cancer in populations that consume it in large quantities (such as in Mediterranean countries).   The study authors conclude that “our findings raise the possibility that long-term consumption of oleocanthal may help to protect against some diseases.” 

COENZYME Q10

Coenzyme Q10 also known as CoQ10 is a fat soluble nutrient.  It is made in almost every tissue in the body; however, the amount the body makes declines by age 10.  CoQ10 is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in our body but its main area of responsibility is in the energy-producing metabolic pathway of all cells, namely aerobic respiration in the Kreb’s cycle within the mitochondria.  Without CoQ10 one gets muscle aches and fatigue similar to that seen in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) deplete the body of CoQ10 and as a consequence have a very serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis whereby the muscle is destroyed.  Another symptom directly related to the statin-CoQ10 depletion syndrome is fatigue, muscle weakness and even erectile dysfunction.

CoQ10 is a very large molecule making it very difficult to absorb upon ingestion and absorption by the stomach.  Many over-the-counter and internet brands of CoQ10 are never absorbed by the stomach and therefore never reach the blood stream or cells.  

CoQ10 also enhances the regeneration of vitamin E, reduces platelet stickiness, lowers blood pressure and increase sperm count.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has shown that CoQ10 levels are frequently low in cancer patients.  Supplementation of CoQ10 has been shown to extend the life span of patients with breast, colon, prostate, rectal, lung, and pancreatic cancers (http://cancerweb.nci.ac.uk/cancernet/600916.htm).

CoQ10 has been used in the treatment of breast cancer. Dosages of 300-390 mg a day have resulted in complete regression of residual tumors in breast cancer (Lockwood, L., et al., “Partial and complete regression of breast cancer in patients in relation to dosage of coenzyme Q-10,” Biochem Biophys Res Commun,” 1994; 199(3):1504-08.  Lockwood, L., et al., “Progress on therapy of breast cancer with vitamin Q-10 and the regression of metastases,” Biochem Biophy Res Commun 1995; 212(1):172-77). 

CoQ10 has been shown to protect against certain types of chemotherapy drug-induced damage to the heart (Cortes, E., et al., “Adriamycin cardiotoxicity: early detection by systolic time interval and possible prevention by coenzyme Q-10,” Cancer Treat Rep 1978; 62(6):887-91.  Conklin, K., et al., “Coenzyme Q-10 for prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity,” Integr Cancer Ther 2005; 4(2):110-30).

Low levels of plasma coenzyme Q-10 are associated with an increased risk of melanoma metastasis (Rusciani, L., et al., “Low plasma coenzyme Q10 levels as an independent prognostic factor for melanoma progression,” Jour Amer Acad Dermatol 2006; 54(2):234-41).

L-CARNITINE

L-Carnitine is an amino acid also responsible for energy production in the mitochondria via ATP production.  It converts stored body fat into energy and also energizes the heart.  L-Carnitine helps reduce triglycerides and cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol HDL.  L-Carnitine has also been shown to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and prevent DNA break down.  L-Carnitine improves mental focus and energy and enhances short and long term memory.

RESVERATROL

Resveratrol is a phytonutrient found mainly in the skin of red grapes discovered by Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard Medical School.  GlaxoSmithKline purchased the outstanding shares of Dr. Sinclair’s laboratory, Sirtis Pharmaceuticles for $720 million thus supporting the importance of this amazing substance.

Resveratrol activates a “longevity gene” that reduces high-fat diet related deaths.  The effects of Resveratrol mimic those of calorie restriction, the only proven way of extending maximum life span.  Resveratrol activates one of the same “sirtuin (SIR)” genes as calorie restriction and has been called a “calorie restriction mimetic”. 

Resveratrol has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease & stroke by inhibiting the formation of blood clots and bad cholesterol LDL.  It has also been shown to be neuroprotective and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.  It has also been shown to block the start and spread of cancer.  It is a powerful antioxidant and antiviral agent.  It can improve spinal cord injury damage better than prednisone.

Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant protector, estrogen protector, cardio-protector, cancer protector, viral protector and neural protector.

Resveratrol possesses a “novel mechanism” for scavenging radicals in Alzheimer’s patients.  It reduces the frequency of DNA mistakes.  It should not only improve Diabetes but also minimize complications such as Diabetic Neuropathy.

VITAMIN D3

Prostate cancer is a major cause of death among men, claiming 56, 000 European men in 1998, and 29, 000 American men in 2004.  To date, no obvious preventive strategies are known.  In 2005, scientists from Northern California Cancer Center proposed that Vitamin D could cut prostate cancer risk. In men with certain genetic variants, high sun exposure reduced prostate cancer risk by as much as 65%. The prostate uses Vitamin D from sun exposure to promote normal growth of prostate cells and to inhibit the invasiveness and spread of prostate cancer cells to other parts of the body. Omega-3 fatty acids have the same protective effect, as does the epigallocathechin gallate from green tea.  Foods rich in Vitamin D like egg yolks, liver and cod liver oil, soymilk, and dairy products, some orange juices and margarines.  Cereals may be fortified with Vitamin D, but taking simple supplements of Vitamin D3 is a simple insurance. Have your blood levels of 25 OH Vitamin D measured yearly and correct any deficiency. 

Other therapeutic benefits of Vitamin D3 include Migraine Headaches, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Musculoskeletal Pain, Autoimmune, Inflammatory Conditions, Depression, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and many others.

Cancer prevention and treatment, and Fibromyalgia.  Vitamin D3 deficiency has been found to be a cause of heart failure (Kini, S., et al., “A reversible form of cardiomyopathy,” J. Postgrad Med 2003; 49(1):85-7).  

The progression of osteoarthritis is lessened by adequate vitamin D3 (McAlindon., T., et al., “Relation of dietary intake and serum levels of vitamin D to progression of osteoarthritis of the knee among participants in the Framingham study,” Ann Int Med 1996; 125(5):353-9).

Defend against atomic pickpockets:  Antioxidant supplements and foods with Vitamin A, C, E and Selenium protect cells by neutralizing free radicals, atomic fragments that cause cellular destruction and produce metabolic waste.  Numerous studies point to the value of Vitamin A in boosting immunity as it enhances TH2 (T helper cell type 2) mediated immune responses necessary for fighting bacterial and parasitic infections. Several studies have shown that Vitamin A is a potent stimulator of growth hormone production.  Therapeutic daily dosing:  7, 000 to 10,000 IU. except for those over the age of 65, with liver disease, and women who are or could become pregnant.  These people should speak with their doctor as limited Vitamin A intake may be appropriate. 

VITAMIN C

Antioxidant supplements and foods with Vitamin A, C, E, and Selenium protect cells by neutralizing free radicals, atomic fragments that cause cellular destruction and produce metabolic waste. 

Vitamin C raises good cholesterol and prevents bad cholesterol from oxidation, which subsequently prevents the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque on blood vessel walls contributing to cardiovascular disease.  In a study by UCLA School of Health, men who took Vitamin C daily had a 45% lower risk of heart attack than men whose intake was less than the US RDA.  Vitamin C has also been found to lower the risk of stroke.  In one study, men who had relatively low blood levels of Vitamin C were 2.4 times more likely to have a stroke than men with the highest blood levels of the nutrient. In a separate study, women who took supplemental Vitamin C over a ten-year period were 77% less likely to develop lens opacities– the beginning stage of cataracts.

VITAMIN E

Antioxidant supplements protect against free radical damage. 

The alpha tocopherol beta carotene study, which involved more than 29,000 men, revealed that those who took Vitamin E supplements were 32% less likely to develop prostate cancer and 41% less likely to die from the disease.  In 2005, researchers involved in the women’s health study, the largest trial to date involving Vitamin E supplementation, reported that natural alpha tocopherol supplementation significantly lowered the risk of premature death, especially by heart attack and stroke, and particularly in women over age 65.  A separate study found that consuming high dietary levels of Vitamin E could lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 70%.  Choose only mixed natural source Vitamin E tocopherols .   

SELENIUM

Antioxidant vitamins and minerals protect against free radical damage.  Selenium is an essential trace element, necessary for growth and protein synthesis.  It helps to increase the effectiveness of Vitamin E, another key antioxidant. Selenium may help to prevent cardiovascular diseases by increasing levels of good cholesterol, lowering levels of bad cholesterol and decreasing the stickiness of blood to reduce the risk of blood clots in arteries supplying the heart and brain. Selenium has been shown to offer protection against a number of different types of cancer. Results of two five-year studies at Cornell University and the University of Arizona revealed that daily supplemental selenium cut the incidence of prostate cancer by 63%, colorectal tumors by 58%, and lung cancer by 46%. In these studies all told the death rate from cancer of people who took supplemental selenium was found to be 39% lower than that of the general population.

 

 

SPICES FOR LONG LIFE

Capsaicin in chili pepper relieves pain topically, allicin in garlic can reduce cholesterol and BP.

Curcumin, found in tumeric, which gives curry spice its yellow color, protects against Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) by triggering production of a protein that fights free radical damage in the brain. 

It may help treat skin cancer, in a 2005 study by the University of Texas Anderson Cancer Center, melanoma cell lines treated with curcumin showed decreased cell viability and higher cell death. In a 2005 study by University of Texas researchers, curcumin stopped breast cancer from spreading in a mouse model. Also being tested in multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, and in prevention of oral cancers. 

B12/FOLATE/B6

Homocysteine linked to cardiovascular risk, is associated with lower scores on tests that evaluate cognitive skills (thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, and learning words). In a 2005 study of data from the VA normative aging study, tracking men between 50 and 85 yrs Tufts University found that men with higher blood levels of folate, pyiridoxine, and cobalamin were able to retain their verbal skills and spatial perception skills. High homocysteine levels were found to decrease recall memory skills.   To help prevent age related mental decline and reduce homocysteine levels, eat green leafy vegetables high in folate and B Vitamins and take a Vitamin B Complex supplement. 

IODINE

Most women metabolize and detoxify (both pre-menopausally and postmenpausally given estradiol replacement) a majority of their estrogens to the end-product metabolite estriol.  

Some women do not and thus have a higher risk of estrogen-related cancer. Iodine can promote the complete metabolization and detoxification into estriol. 

Up to 72% of the world’s population is affected by an iodine deficiency disorder (WHO Nov. 12, 1998).

Iodine deficiency is common due to the following reasons:

1. 1. The ground is depleted in iodine.  
2. 2. Diets without ocean fish or sea vegetables such as seaweed.  
3. 3. Diet high in pasta and breads which contain bromide (bromide binds to the iodine receptors)
4. 4. Fluoride use (inhibits iodine binding)
5. 5. Vegan and vegetarian diets
6. 6. Sucralose (contains chlorinated table sugar)
7. 7. Medications
   1. a. Atrovent Inhaler (contains bromide)
   2. b. Ipratropium Nasal spray (contains bromide)
   3. c. Pro-Panthine (contains bromide)
   4. d. Flonase (contains fluoride)
   5. e. Flovent (contains fluoride)

In areas of the world with high iodine intake like Japan, have a low rate of breast cancer.  Estimates are that the breasts need approximately 5 mg of iodine per day in a 50 kg woman. (Abraham, G., et al., “Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine sufficiency of the whole human body,” The Original Internist 2002; 9:30-41).

Recent studies have been reported showing a relationship of iodine deficiency during pregnancy and Attention Deficit Disorder (Abraham, G., et al., “The historical background of the iodine project,” The Original Internist 12(2):57-66, 2005).

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium deficiency is linked with cellular aging.  This deficiency affects half of the US population.  Most notable sign of deficiency is telomere shortening (DNA sequences that cap chromosomes), which has been associated with aging and cancer (www.pnas.org/cgi/contents/abstract/0712401105v1. Accessed May 1, 2008).

A new study on magnesium showed that people that are deficient are 1.48 to 1.75 times more likely to have elevated C-reactive protein (King, D., et al., “Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels,” Jour Amer Coll Nutr 2005; 24(3):166-71).

PALLADIUM LIPOIC ACID COMPLEX

Palladium Lipoic Acid Complex is a supplement that is a member of the palladium lipoic acid reductase complex family.  It contains a patented type of palladium lipoic acid complex composed of the element palladium bonded with the antioxidant lipoic acid.  It also contains vitamins (B1, B2, B12), minerals (molybdenum, rhodium, ruthenium), and amino acids (formyl-methionine, acetyl-cysteine).

Rhodium is a rare metal that is noted for its low electrical resistance and high corrosion resistance and is used as a catalyst for many chemical reactions.

Ruthenium is a transition metal of the platinum group that is used to harden and increase the corrosion resistance of titanium. It is also a catalyst. 

This supplement takes the free radicals produced by disease and turns these damaging molecules into energy.

It literally short-circuits the bioelectric current in cancer cells, which starves them of energy and causes cell death (apoptosis) while at the same time, strengthens the immune system and protects normal healthy cells.  This action leads to dead cancer cells and healthy body cells.

Animal studies reveal that Palladium Lipoic Acid Complex reduces the area of stroke damage in the brain. Research is no ongoing in humans (Antonavich, F., et al., “Regulation of ischemic cell death by the lipoic acid-palladium complex, in gerbils,” Exp Neurol 2004; 189(1):10-5).

DEOXYRIBOSE (D-ribose)

D-ribose is a five-carbon sugar and the building block of such things as Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP)- the molecule of energy and is the “D” in DNA.  It is directly used in the body’s energy cycle, “aerobic respiration” in the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the body.  At the institute, d-Ribose is used as a medical food to overcome such things as mitochondrial disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and numerous disorders associated with aging.  

D-ribose was first used by innovated cardiologists like Steven Sinatra, MD from the University of Connecticut, who discovered its benefits in cardiac failure, heart attacks, etc.  

Only few physicians throughout the country are aware of its benefits in everyday health.

In conclusion, I just want to add that the science is here to live to be a healthy 100 years of age and that it does matter what environment that you put your body in.  So the next time you ask the question “do I really have to take all of this stuff?” I hope you can come back to this article and remember the many benefits of your supplements.

Guy daSilva, MD