Oxidative stress-induced cell damage is a key factor contributing to the decline in cognitive and muscle strength associated with aging. Antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and preventing age-related health issues. A recent study has shown that mice treated with a combination of antioxidant supplements exhibited notable enhancements in spatial cognition, short-term memory, and reduced age-related muscle deterioration. This study indicates that blended antioxidant supplements could be a promising dietary intervention for addressing aging-related health concerns.
The ongoing decline in cognitive and muscle function with age poses a significant challenge in healthcare. The costs associated with treating age-related cognitive decline and muscle weakness are projected to rise considerably in the future. Oxidative stress, caused by the damage inflicted by oxygen-free radicals on cells, is one of the primary mechanisms contributing to age-related health decline.
Antioxidants found in certain foods have the ability to neutralize oxygen-free radicals, thereby reducing cell damage and slowing down age-related health decline. When an antioxidant-rich diet is not feasible, individuals often turn to antioxidant supplements for similar or enhanced health benefits. A team of researchers, led by Prof. Koji Fukui from the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) and Dr. Fukka You from Gifu University, discovered that administering a blend of antioxidant supplements to aged mice resulted in significant improvements in spatial cognition, short-term memory, and muscle strength. The findings were published in a special issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences on February 28, 2024.
“Our study observed notable enhancements in spatial learning and memory in aged mice treated with antioxidant supplements. Continuous intake of blended antioxidant supplements may prove effective in combating the effects of aging and increased oxidation in the body,” explained Prof. Fukui, the lead researcher. Memory loss is commonly associated with debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s, which predominantly affect older individuals. The positive impact of blended antioxidant supplements on memory in mice suggests their potential in preventing memory loss in humans.
Sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle strength in older individuals, is another age-related condition that significantly impacts mobility and can lead to social isolation. Moreover, sarcopenia raises the risk of cognitive disorders. If blended antioxidant supplements can enhance muscle strength in mice, they may also hold promise in mitigating muscle frailty and sarcopenia in humans.
“Frailty and sarcopenia are emerging as significant risk factors for dementia. While the exact mechanism remains unknown, the potential of supplements in preventing muscle weakness is groundbreaking,” noted Prof. Fukui.
With a plethora of antioxidant supplements available in the market, selecting the right ones can be daunting for consumers. The results of Prof. Fukui’s study advocate for the use of blended antioxidant supplements to combat age-related health decline. However, further research is essential to establish the safety and efficacy of these supplements in humans. Different antioxidant blends may have varying effects on the body, and their usage should ideally be based on clinical evidence. The antioxidant blend utilized in the study, Twendee X, is similar in composition to the commercial supplement Oxycut®.
“While there is a wide array of antioxidant supplements available, the combined intake of multiple types may yield greater benefits than individual types. Nonetheless, determining the appropriate types and dosages can be challenging, as excessive intake of certain vitamins can have adverse effects. We advise opting for multivitamins that are guaranteed to be safe,” cautioned Prof. Fukui.
In addition to choosing the right antioxidant supplement, understanding the ideal regimen can also perplex consumers. Further research on the individual variations in antioxidant effects can help clarify the optimal dosage and composition of antioxidant supplements. Over time, the optimal use of antioxidant supplements could significantly reduce age-related health decline. “In the future, personalized multi-supplements tailored to each individual may eliminate concerns about overdosing,” Prof. Fukui concluded.
