Best Anti-Aging Supplements of 2021

Anti-aging supplements are designed to help people fend off many of the health problems typically associated with aging. The result is not immortality, but rather a healthy and vibrant individual who seems to transcend the passing of the years.

Anti-aging supplements employ natural ingredients that have demonstrated their worth through centuries of practical experience and dozens of clinical studies in the here and now.

Our product review team spent long hours researching the subject and concluded that the following represent the best anti-aging supplements of 2021.

1. NOW Supplements Natural Resveratrol

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Unless you have been following developments in the supplement world, you may have never heard of resveratrol. But in recent years this unassuming polyphenol has garnered a lot of praise for its impressive antioxidant qualities and its reputed cardiovascular benefits. Resveratrol is commonly found in the skin of grapes and there is some clinical evidence to suggest this is why the wine-loving French seem to have such a low incidence of heart disease.

The good news is that with NOW Natural Resveratrol you don’t have to spend your life savings on expensive French wine to enjoy the same health benefits your Parisian friends do. NOW Natural Resveratrol is produced in the company’s GMP facility and is free of all common food allergens and genetically modified organisms.

2. Amazing Grass Green Superfood

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Amazing Grass Green Superfood takes an holistic approach to anti-aging supplements. It includes the renowned superfood spirulina, along with vitamin C and both prebiotics and probiotics to ensure digestive health and aid in absorption. Amazing Grass is free of gluten, sugar and genetically modified organisms. It is also loaded with antioxidants that promote skin and heart health and help fight the enervating effects of inflammation.

Amazing Grass Green Superfood comes in both powder and capsule forms. Because we’re not big fans of shakes we prefer the capsules. However, when you learn you need to take five capsules per day you many decide the powder is right for you. Whichever form it takes, though, Amazing Grass will bolster your overall health from the inside out.

3. Fish Oil by Nature’s Bounty

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The benefits of fish oil are many and mostly derive from the presence of the amino acids EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA possess robust anti-inflammatory capabilities that can help stave off chronic disease and provide relief from arthritis pain and stiffness. Amino acids are also crucial to building strong, responsive muscle which can help folks avoid age-related injuries later in life. At 1200 mg each these are large capsules that pack quite a beneficial punch.

The fish oil here is derived from mackerel, sardine and anchovy that are harvested in accordance with sustainable fishing guidelines. Nature’s Bounty Fish Oil is free of mercury and produced in a GMP facility in the US. Because of the potential for ‘fish burps’ we would recommend you take this supplement with food.

4. Doctor’s Best Fisetin with Novusetin

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Like resveratrol, fisetin is a dietary supplement few have heard of but one that possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Also like resveratrol, fisetin is a polyphenol that fights the activity of free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. Perhaps most excitingly, fisetin has demonstrated an ability to extend the lifespan of test mice and to reduce incidents of disease.

While it is too early to tell if that life-extending benefit will transfer to humans, fisetin has plenty of other things going for it that recommend its use. Fisetin occurs naturally in things like apples and onions. But if you do not get much of those foods in your diet you can still enjoy the many benefits of this compelling compound by taking Doctor’s Best Fisetin with Novusetin. (Novusetin being the company’s proprietary name for their brand of fisetin.)

5. Nutricost Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

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Vitamin B3 – often referred to as ‘niacin’ or as it is here, ‘niacinamide’ – is one of those compounds your body simply cannot do without. B3 is found in every part of the body and is a powerful antioxidant that also helps the body convert food into energy. Doctors and nutritionists are well aware of the importance of B3, but some people suffer from a phenomenon known as ‘niacin flush’ when they take B3 supplements.

Niacin flush is typically harmless although it can be uncomfortable and produce a red cast to the skin. Nutricost Niacinamide is specifically formulated to prevent niacin flush. That way you can enjoy the life-enhancing benefits of B3 without having to endure the common downside. It’s a win-win situation for those who want to be healthier for longer.

6. Qunol Mega Ubiquinol CoQ10

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Coenzyme Q10, known commonly as CoQ10, is a potent antioxidant that undermines the negative activity of free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for oxidative stress, which is the cause of many chronic and acute health problems. For a CoQ10 supplement to be effective it must absorb quickly and thoroughly. And Qunol CoQ10 is formulated to do just that. This enhanced bioavailability separates it from the competition and earns it a place on our list.

Qunol CoQ10 helps counteract the natural tendency of the body to produce less and less of this important compound as we age. Taking it will help ensure a healthy heart, enhanced cognitive function, and a more robust immune system while also possibly reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

7. Life Extension Enhanced Zinc Lozenges

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As people age the immune system weakens and it takes longer and longer for even minor cuts to heal. That might not seem like a big deal on the face of it, but wounds that linger can lead to serious complications including infections, disability and even amputation.

Zinc is well-known for the important role it plays in the healing process. But researchers estimate that a majority of older individuals get less than half the zinc they need to maintain proper wound healing capabilities. That’s where Life Extension Enhanced Zinc Lozenges come in. They provide all the zinc a person needs to ensure that their bodies retain the ability to heal themselves as the years begin to add up.

8. Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder

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Spirulina is a type of algae that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Spirulina is rich in antioxidants which make it an ideal anti-aging supplement. It is also packed with vital nutrients that bolster immune function, reduce inflammation and enhance bone and muscle integrity. Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder is one of only a couple of non-encapsulated anti-aging supplements on our list. But because of its overall effectiveness, mixability and reasonably agreeable taste we couldn’t overlook it.

Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder contains lots of protein, iron and beta carotene, is vegan and Kosher and contains no artificial fillers, preservatives or flavors. All the spirulina used by Pure Hawaiian is grown on the company’s own farm on the Big Island of Hawaii.

9. Orgain Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

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Collagen plays an integral part in muscle formation and maintenance, skin health, bone health and more. It is the most plentiful type of protein in the human body and if we don’t get enough we open the door to debilitating injuries later in life. Orgain Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides provide this essential protein in a hydrolyzed form that is easily broken down and absorbed by the body.

Orgain produces an array of dietary supplements that are based on sound science and formulated using only the highest quality ingredients. All their products, including these collagen peptides, are GMO-free, dairy-free and free of sugar, soy, gluten and other food allergens. All you get are essential amino acids including leucine, lysine, valine and more, in an easy to mix unflavored powder.

10. Thorne Research Meriva SF

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The last of our best anti-aging supplements is from Thorne Research. Their Meriva SF is a curcumin supplement that helps reduce chronic inflammation, alleviate arthritis pain and stiffness and ward off many of the maladies that befall the unprepared as they age. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Curumin does more than just block inflammatory activity, it helps maintain healthy joints, enhances liver function, promotes effective blood circulation and relieves pressure on the heart. Thorne Research Meriva SF is free of gluten, eggs, nuts, soy, shellfish and other allergens and contains no artificial ingredients or genetically modified organisms.

FAQs

What Is an Anti-Aging Supplement?

An anti-aging supplement is a dietary supplement, usually in the form of a capsule or tablet, that is comprised of natural ingredients known to counteract some of the worst aspects of aging. It will not stop the clock or fend off the inevitable. It can, however, enable you to push back against the mistaken notion that aging and misery must go hand in hand. On the contrary, anti-aging supplements allow you to squeeze every ounce of potential out of life. And you really can’t ask for much more than that.

What are the Benefits of Anti-Aging Supplements?

Aside from the obvious (they help slow the effects of aging) anti-aging supplements provide a wealth of other benefits as well. Those include:

Anti-aging supplements have potent anti-inflammatory properties. – Many of the problems associated with aging – arthritis, heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and more – are tied to chronic inflammation (1). Because of this, most anti-aging supplements include one or two ingredients that address inflammation head-on. This is one of the most important benefits anti-aging supplements provide.

Anti-aging supplements can boost your immune system. – As we age, our immune system begins to lose its effectiveness (2) for reasons that are not entirely clear to scientists. This compromised immune system leaves us vulnerable to a host of conditions that slowly eat away at our physical integrity. Many anti-aging supplements work to bolster the immune system as a way of fending off potentially debilitating conditions.

Some anti-aging supplements boost energy levels. – Does the lack of energy experienced by people as they age stem from being increasingly sedentary? Or is an increasingly sedentary lifestyle the result of losing energy? At the end of the day it may not matter. The only important thing may be finding a way to provide people with an energy boost that prevents that sedentary life from taking hold. Some anti-aging supplements include caffeine and other ingredients that provide a modest energy boost to help get older folks out of their chairs.

Most anti-aging supplements are powerful antioxidants. – Oxidative stress (3) is now known to play a significant role in cell death and the premature aging of skin, vital organs, the brain and other components of our physiology. If one can effectively arrest, or at least reduce, oxidative stress every aspect of the body should benefit. The most effective way to fight oxidative stress is with antioxidants (4). Hence, most anti-aging supplements are rich in antioxidants.

Anti-aging supplements are good for your bones. – Collagen is a common ingredient in anti-aging supplements, and for good reason. Nearly 1/3 of all the protein in your body is some form of collagen. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining bone, muscle and skin health. All things that are essential to minimizing the effects of aging.

Anti-aging supplements are good for heart and mind. – As we have mentioned, most anti-aging supplements go all-in on the anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. This approach provides a multitude of benefits, not the least of which is a strengthening of the cardiovascular system. Also, chronic inflammation is increasingly viewed as a significant contributor to cognitive decline (5). Meaning anti-aging supplements that include anti-inflammatories may also be good for your brain.

Some anti-aging supplements contain essential amino acids. – Muscle loss is another all-too-common effect of aging. As such, preventing muscle loss – and even building new, stronger muscles – is key to preventing age-related injuries. Amino acids have demonstrated the ability to stimulate muscle growth in older individuals (6). When an anti-aging supplement that contains amino acids (such as fish oil) is paired with vigorous exercise the anti-aging benefits can be significant.

Anti-aging supplements prevent premature cell death. – Free radicals (7) are the proverbial loose cannons of physiology, wreaking havoc wherever they go. These unstable molecules are the primary cause of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, in turn, is the number 1 cause of premature cell death, which is the force behind myriad age-related health problems. The only antidote to free radicals are antioxidants. That is why so many anti-aging supplements are rich in antioxidants.

Anti-aging supplements can help you heal faster after an accident. – Another consequence of aging is that people tend to heal slower as they gain in years (8). This can have numerous negative effects including raising the risk of infection, stressing the immune system and preventing people from re-engaging in life. Many anti-aging supplements include zinc, which is well-known for the important role it plays in wound healing (9).

Anti-aging supplements can relieve the pain of arthritis. – Both rheumatoid arthritis and, to a lesser extent, osteoarthritis are characterized by inflammation of the joints (10). The stiffness and pain associated with this inflammation can be significant and cause major disruptions to a person’s life. Anti-aging supplements often contain anti-inflammatories in order to head off or treat inflammation associated with arthritis. By doing so they enable a person to stay more active and engaged with life.

Anti-aging supplements are good for your skin. – One of the most obvious signs of aging is dry, wrinkled, sagging skin. To a certain extent, it’s to be expected. But in many cases dry, sagging skin does not have to be as bad as it is. A number of ingredients in anti-aging supplements address the causes of skin degradation, including antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and collagen that bolsters the integrity of the skin from the inside out.

Anti-Aging supplements are safe and effective. – Today’s best anti-aging supplements are virtually free of side effects, free of most drug interactions, free of artificial ingredients that could undermine health, and can be safely enjoyed by the vast majority of adults. They are also formulated using ingredients that have a proven track record of providing both short and long-term benefits.

Are There Side Effects?

Below are some of the most common anti-aging supplement ingredients and their known side effects.

Resveratrol – Until recently most people had never heard of resveratrol (11). But as its cardiovascular benefits have become more widely appreciated, resveratrol has emerged from the supplement shadows. Resveratrol produces few, if any, side effects in most people, which is another reason for its growing popularity. There is some evidence, however, that if taken in large doses it may produce nausea or diarrhea. So stick to the recommended amount.

CoQ10 – Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 (12), is a powerful antioxidant that is produced naturally by the body and is typically abundant in young people. As we age, however, CoQ10 production begins to wane. Which is where CoQ10 supplements come in. As is the case with antioxidants in general, CoQ10 has few side effects. Although in rare cases people have reported headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite and diarrhea.

Fish oil – Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA (13). Both have anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall health and wellbeing, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer and help alleviate symptoms of arthritis. The most common side effect of taking fish oil are the ‘fish oil burps’. This phenomenon most often happens when taking fish oil supplements on an empty stomach. Diarrhea may also be an issue if you take too much.

Curcumin – Curcumin (14) is a polyphenol (15) found in turmeric that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both of those properties enable it to slow some of the most debilitating effects of aging. Curcumin, and by extension turmeric, have been known to traditional medicine for many centuries and in all that time very little evidence has emerged of negative side effects.

Spirulina – Spirulina is a type of algae that was widely used by the ancient people of Central America. Today it is touted as a ‘superfood’ because it is rich in nutrients that bolster immune function. However, despite its many virtues spirulina is not without its potential side effects. Primary among them is that, by strengthening the immune system, it may actually worsen symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Collagen peptides – Collagen (16) is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a fundamental role in the health of your bones, muscles and skin. But collagen in its natural state is not easily absorbed by the body. Collagen peptides are still collagen, but collagen that has been broken down into a more easily digestible form. Collagen and collagen peptides produce few side effects. However, since they are often produced from fish and eggs, vegans and people with allergies to those foods, should avoid collagen peptide supplements.

Fisetin – Like resveratrol, fisetin is a polyphenol with potent antioxidant capabilities (17). It is also believed to have anti-cancer properties. Fisetin is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables including strawberries, onions and apples. There is no evidence that fisetin, when taken in moderation, produces any side effects. There is also no evidence that fisetin produces drug interactions. Though to be safe you should always discuss supplements with your doctor if you are currently taking any prescription medications.

The Bottom Line

Anti-aging supplements help fend off many of the problems that dog most people as they get older. Scientists now know that many of those conditions, once considered inevitable, are actually preventable. And that there are all-natural, readily available compounds that can help keep them at bay.

Anti-aging supplements leverage these compounds in subtle ways. The benefits are not always obvious, and in some cases will likely take time to manifest, but they are very real nonetheless.

All of the above anti-aging supplements are produced by reliable companies, employ proven ingredients and have countless satisfied users who will testify to their effectiveness. Use the information in this guide to determine which one is right for you.