Anti-Aging Supplements

Multivitamin

Dr. Andrew Weil (founder of the University of Arizona's Program in Integrative Medicine and editor of Body+Soul's sister publication, "Dr. Andrew Weil's Self Healing") recommends the following supplements as part of a program for healthy aging. They provide important nutrients, prevent inflammation, bolster your immune system, support your liver, and increase your energy levels.

Dr. Weil recommends selecting one that fits the following criteria:

Does not contain preformed vitamin A, often indicated as retinol.

Gives you a mixture of carotenoids (lutein, lycopene, as well as other members of this family of antioxidant pigments), not just beta-carotene.

Provides vitamin E as mixed, natural tocopherols (or mixed tocotrienols), not just as d-alpha-tocopherol or, worse, synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol.

Provides 50 milligrams each of most B vitamins, except folic acid (at least 400 mcg) and vitamin B12 (at least 50 mcg).

Does not contain much more than 200 milligrams of vitamin C, which is all the human body can use in a day.

Provides at least 400 IU of vitamin D (but you'll need to take additional vitamin D to get Dr. Weil's recommended daily intake of 1,000 IU).

Does not contain iron, unless you are menstruating, pregnant, or have documented iron-deficiency anemia.

Contains no more than 200 mcg of selenium, a key antioxidant mineral.

Provides some calcium, preferably as calcium citrate (although most women and some men need to take additional calcium to maintain bone health).