DHEA -- short
fo dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA is a precursor to both estrogen and
the male hormone testosterone. Clinical trials done in humans have shown
little if any benefit and some degree of risk since it can cause huge
increases in both estrogen and testosterone levels.
Testosterone --
While the age-relataed decline may contribute to the reduction in
bone, muscle, and sexual ability as men age, it is rarely a major
cause. There is little evidence that taking testosterone helps relieve
those problems. Only men with truly low levels, usually caused by
pituitary or testicular disease, should consider testosterone shots
or pills.
Melatonin -- While
a small, well-timed dose of melatonin migh help some older people
sleep better, evidence for the hormone's other supposed anti-aging
benefits are far weaker. Melatonin can cause minor side effects such
as confusin, drowsiness, and headache. Further, it may worsen sleep
apnea, and possibly increase blood pressure and reduce fertility.
Human growth hormone
-- Most studies in humans who have moderately reduced growth-hormoone
levels have found no significant benefit from supplements. Some research
suggestes that supplements may increase the risk of colon cancer,
diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, and prostate cancer. A recent
French study found that long-time growth-hormone users had a higher
death rate than other men.
Antioxidant pills --
Nearly every age related disease, as well as aging itself, as been
linked at leat theoretically to oxidation, a common cause of cell
damage. Researchers have identified numerous nutrients, including
vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, the mineral selenium,a nd a host
of other obscure chemicals in plant foods, that fight oxidation and,
in theory, help promote healthy aging.
A diet rich in fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and the recommended amount of fish or mean
probably provides enough of all of those nutrients -- except vitamin
E -- to provide maximum protection with supplements.
Ginkgo -- In a study
published in 1997 ginkgo biloba was shown to generate modest improvement
in the mental functioning of dementia patients. There is little evidence
that the herb can boost memory in healthy people or stem the normal
weakening of memory with age.
Ginkgo may inhibit clotting,
so people who have bleeding disorders or take blood thinning drugs
such as asperin or warfarin should avoid it.
