Study: Blended Antioxidant Supplement Could Improve Age-Related Health Decline

A blended mix of antioxidant supplements could improve age-related decline in cognitive and muscle function, according to results from a study led by Koji Fukui, PhD, and affiliated with Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), along with Fukka You, MD, From Gifu University. Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the study assessed the supplements in aged mice and found cognitive improvements.

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“In this study, significant improvements were observed in the spatial learning ability and short-term memory in supplement-treated aged mice. Long term intake of blended antioxidant supplements may be effective, even considering the effects of aging and related increased oxidation in the body,” said Fukui, in a press release.

The study authors noted that age-related decline in cognitive and muscle function is an impactful issue in the health care space. Costs associated with treating individuals who have muscle weakness and cognitive decline will increase in the coming years. Oxidative stress, damage imposed by oxygen-free radicals on cells, is reported to be one of the primary causes for decline due to age, according to study authors. Additionally, cognitive declines like memory loss relate to diseases such as Alzheimer disease which commonly impact older populations. Other age-related diseases like sarcopenia can cause loss of muscle strength, which can impact mobility, leading to less social interaction and more isolation. The disease could also upsurge the risk of cognitive disorders among older individuals, according to study authors.

“Frailty and sarcopenia are now serious problems and potent risk factors for dementia. Although the mechanism is unknown, it is groundbreaking that taking supplements may be able to prevent muscle weakness,” said Fukui in a press release.

Previous research has found that consuming antioxidant-rich food could reduce cell damage and provide benefits to slow age-related health decline. However, when an individual is not getting enough antioxidants in their diet, they often take supplements that that offer the same compounds, according to study authors.

“Although many types of antioxidant supplements are available, the effect is greater if multiple types are taken simultaneously rather than 1 type. However, it is difficult to know which type and how much to take, as it is possible to take too many of some vitamins,” Fukui observed in the study. “We recommend only taking multivitamins that are guaranteed to be safe,” he cautions.

Researchers Fukui and Fukka administered a blend of antioxidant supplements, called Twendee X, to aged mice. The study authors noted that the mice displayed improvements in their spatial cognition, short-term memory, and muscle durability.

Despite the positive results, the study authors noted that certain types of antioxidant blends could impact the human body differently and choosing the correct supplement is essential for consumers. However, optimal use of a blend of supplements could significantly reduce age-related heath decline.

“In the future, there will come a time when we provide multi-supplements tailored to each individual. There will be no need to worry about overdosing,” said Fukui, in a press release.

Reference

Blended antioxidant supplement improves cognition and memory in aged mice. EurekAlert!. News release. April 2, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1039823.