Orthomolecular medicine: the therapeutic use of dietary supplements for anti-aging

Michael Janson

Past President, American College for Advancement in Medicine; Whole Health New England, Arlington, MA, USA; Center for Preventive Medicine, Amherst, NH, USA; Atlantic Wellness Center, New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA

This article was previously published in Anti-Aging Medicine, the official journal of the Japanese Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (JAAM), an international affiliate of the Society for Applied Research in Aging (SARA).

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: orthomolecular; dietary supplements; anti-aging; vitamin C; vitamin E; coenzyme Q10