Science Supports Value Of Supplements To Prevent Age-Related Health Conditions

Research supports the effectiveness of dietary supplements and other health products that target health conditions that accompany aging, including vision loss, cognitive decline, and bone and joint degeneration. In the area of vision, the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and green tea helped boost vision-health product sales by 48 percent in 2008. Studies show that lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent and treat age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and retinitis pigmentosa. Omega-3 fatty acids were shown to cut the risk of age-related macular degeneration, and green tea’s epigallocatechin gallate fights glaucoma. Other helpful supplements supported by research: B vitamins (especially choline) and omega-3s for cognitive health, and vitamins D and K, calcium, and green tea for bone health.