Orthomolecular medicine: the therapeutic use of dietary supplements for anti-aging.
Dietary supplements at high doses as part of medical therapy have been controversial, but the evidence suggests that they play a significant role in prevention and treatment of diseases as well as protection from accelerated aging that results from oxygen free-radical damage, inflammation, and glycation. This literature review examines several supplements that have documented roles in medical therapy, including vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, L-carnitine, and quercetin. The evidence shows benefits in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, age-related deterioration of brain function and vision, and immune function, as well as other age-related health problems.
Whole Health New England, Arlington, MA, USA. drjanson@drjanson.com
Michael
M
Janson
D000375:Aging; D004035:Diet Therapy; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009974:Orthomolecular Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States