When thinking of ageing, some may instantly think of the effects on the skin, such as wrinkling, sagging, and a loss of plumpness. But the consequences of ageing aren’t just cosmetic or predictable. Ageing is a natural process that affects not only the whole body but also the mind, and some of these changes come as a surprise.
Physically, we might notice that we struggle to move as freely or as quickly as we did when we were younger. We may become more susceptible to health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. We may also become less mentally sharp and it may get harder to remember things.
Eating well with lots of fresh fruits, sufficient protein, and healthy fats, keeping active, getting enough good sleep, and managing stress are key to keeping healthy longer. And taking supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support the body and mind in periods of convalescence or stress.
The ageing process might be inevitable, but looking after our physical and emotional health is within our control.
There are several types of anti-ageing supplements, that work in different ways to target the key signs of ageing. Some help to keep the complexion youthful by adding collagen to the skin, whilst others help to reduce processes in the body such as inflammation, that can cause age-related physical and mental diseases.
Either way, anti-ageing supplements are simply intended to supplement the diet with beneficial nutrients that can help slow down the natural passage of time in some cases make us feel better than before.
Here, we’re going to recommend some of the best anti-ageing supplements, how they work, and how they may benefit you.
We only source our food supplements from high-quality brands that are certified organic. They’re all free from artificial fillers and binders and contain no gluten, soya, dairy, added sugars, or GMOs. Except for some collagen products, our recommendations and suggested products are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
A major sign of ageing is a loss of plumpness, elasticity, and hydration in the skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and sagging. This is largely caused by a gradual decline in our levels of collagen as we grow older. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It acts like a biological scaffold, holding the skin up, giving it volume as well as lubricating and cushioning the joints.
From around the age of 25 years old, our collagen levels gradually decrease. This process speeds up as we move through our 50s and 60s, causing the visible signs of skin ageing, along with possible joint stiffness and mobility issues.
Most collagen supplements are derived from the bones and skins of animals – mainly cows, in the case of bovine collagen, and fish in the case of marine collagen. They’re generally available as powders, that can be mixed with water or juice, or made into a warming broth.
Collagen supplements work by ‘topping up’ your natural levels of collagen, which then has anti-ageing benefits for the skin and joints.
Please browse our range of collagen supplements to choose the best one for you.
Inflammation is a healthy and normal part of the immune response. It’s our body's way of helping us fight disease and infection. But a consistently poor diet, stress, smoking, drinking excess alcohol, certain medications, and breathing in pollution can all mean that over time, inflammation becomes chronic. This can then lead to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dementia – especially as we get older.
Therefore, anti-inflammatory supplements can be helpful. They work by reducing the level of molecules called pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause chronic inflammation. If we reduce our levels of inflammation, we can help to reduce our risk of developing age-related diseases. Inflammation can also show up in the skin as premature ageing, redness, dryness, and irritation. Therefore, adding an anti-inflammatory supplement to your diet could also benefit your skin by keeping it vibrant.
One of the most well-understood and researched anti-inflammatory supplements is turmeric. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
Organic fermented Turmeric from Living Nutrition is rich in bioactive substances and is gentler on the stomach than some turmeric supplements.
Bonus supplement - If collagen and turmeric sound like your perfect anti-ageing combination, then try Turmeric Latte collagen powder from Planet Paleo to make a warming hot drink with skin benefits each day.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional medical practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to help everything from a lack of energy to increasing longevity and stamina. There are several types, each with its benefits, and in terms of benefits for ageing and longevity, reishi, cordyceps, and lion’s mane are among the most useful.
Reishi is known as the “mushroom of immortality” due to its health-giving properties, particularly for the immune system. These mushrooms are rich in compounds called beta-glucans that help defend against environmental stressors that may contribute to skin wrinkling and inflammation.
They’re also rich in compounds that help to keep the skin deeply hydrated and repair the natural barrier function this organ provides. Reishi mushrooms are high in antioxidants that help to fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules of oxygen in the body, caused by a poor diet, stress, and an unhealthy lifestyle. They can lead to oxidative stress, which can cause damage to the cells, including the skin cells.
Try organic Reishi mushroom capsules from Mushrooms 4 Life.
Cordyceps mushrooms have been used traditionally to help boost low libido, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
Like reishi mushrooms, they’re also rich in antioxidants that can help to reduce the visible signs of skin ageing as well as protect the heart and manage type 2 diabetes.
Try organic Cordyceps mushroom capsules from Mushrooms 4 Life.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are considered a type of nootropic, that is, a substance that can boost memory and mental capacity. Early studies have shown that they have the potential to significantly improve cognitive test scores in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease. So, whilst they may not help with the visible signs of ageing, they may help with the cognitive decline sometimes seen in older adults.
Try organic Lion’s Mane mushroom capsules from Mushrooms 4 Life.
As we age, we may also begin to lose bone density, meaning that our bones become more porous, and we’re more at risk of experiencing bone fractures, especially if we’re female and post-menopausal.
Vitamin D is essential for bone strength as it regulates the level of calcium in the bones. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone tissue and strength, and vitamin D ensures there’s enough calcium in the bones.
Alongside vitamin D, a lesser-known vitamin called vitamin K also plays a role in bone strength. Vitamin K ensures that the calcium in our diet reaches the bones, where it’s needed. Therefore, vitamins D and K have a synergistic relationship.
Try Vitamin D3 & K2 in hemp oil from BioBloom or Vitamin D3 and K2 capsules from G&G Vitamins.
L-glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that’s present in every cell of the body. It’s an amino acid, one of the building blocks of proteins and has various roles including supporting the immune system and protecting the cells against free radical damage.
In terms of the skin, L-glutathione helps to encourage cell turnover and collagen production, both of which are beneficial for preventing premature ageing.
Try L-Glutathione Complex capsules from G&G Vitamins.
Another powerful antioxidant, co-enzyme Q10, protects the cells from free radical damage. As we age, our levels of this important compound decline, so supplementing our diet can help to keep our levels topped up.
Studies suggest that as well as protecting our cells and preventing cellular skin ageing, it also has a protective effect on the heart, helping to keep cholesterol levels healthy, preventing stiffening of the blood vessels, and keeping the arteries clear of bad cholesterol.
Try CoenzymeQ10 capsules from G&G Vitamins.
Quercetin is a type of flavonoid – a plant-based antioxidant – and is found in foods such as blueberries, raspberries, and cherries as well as green tea. It has an anti-ageing effect on the cells, including the skin cells, in the same way as other antioxidants, by neutralising free radicals and preventing cellular damage.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect the body against conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia that become more prevalent as we age.
Try Quercetin Complex with Bromelain from G&G Vitamins
Magnesium is a mineral that the body requires for more than 300 different roles, including bone strength, muscle repair, and supporting good quality sleep.
Within the skin, magnesium assists in keeping it moisturised by promoting the manufacture of the fatty acids needed to keep it supple. Magnesium also helps in the production of collagen, which keeps things plump and lifted. It also encourages cell renewal and plays a role in the protective barrier function of the skin.
Try Magnesium Citrate capsules from G&G Vitamins
Ageing is an inevitable aspect of being human, but it doesn’t mean we have to accept achy joints, cognitive decline, or a loss of youthfulness. While no supplement can literally turn back the clock, pairing a good supplement regime with a wholesome diet and active lifestyle can markedly slow down the ageing process.
More importantly, these choices can enhance our life's quality, ensuring that our later years are not just longer, but richer and fuller. Also, our relationships and our spirit can transcend the physical bounds of ageing, transforming our elder years into a period defined by purpose, joy, and wisdom.
As with any supplement, it’s widely accepted that we should take anti-ageing supplements regularly, at the same time each day, for at least 12 weeks, to see if we notice any benefit. It is also to have periods of rest to keep the body on its toes.
Decide which one of our recommended ones sounds like it could suit you and your needs best and give it a go for three months. If you can’t decide, then consider the Anti-Ageing Pack from G&G Vitamins which contains a range of antioxidants, vitamins, co-enzyme Q10, and collagen, divided into handy 28-day serving packs.
We’d like to know how you get on, so please stay in touch!
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We are a small but mighty team of experienced natural health researchers. We follow strict selection criteria and test everything we retail: from ground-breaking food supplements to natural skincare products. Our main area of expertise is CBD.