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Review
. 2006;1(3):261-5.
doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.3.261.

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

Michael Janson  1
Affiliations
Review

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

Michael Janson. Clin Interv Aging. 2006.

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Leukocyte vitamin C during infections. High dose vitamin C (6 g daily before and during infection) enhances leukocyte ascorbate levels at baseline and during infections. Low dose supplements (200 mg daily) have less pronounced effects.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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