{"id":689,"date":"2026-05-25T16:12:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T16:12:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanmovershub.com\/?p=689"},"modified":"2026-05-25T16:12:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T16:12:25","slug":"silver-linings-supplement-savvy-pills-promises-and-placebos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanmovershub.com\/?p=689","title":{"rendered":"Silver linings: Supplement savvy \u2014 pills, promises and placebos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What do Jennifer Aniston, LeBron James and tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson all have in common? They all take a boatload of supplements for healthy aging. <\/p>\n

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Do the ultra-wealthy know something the rest of us don\u2019t know? Because they sure seem to be spending tons of money on health-related supplements like NAD+, collagen, resveratrol and ashwagandha (dare you to try pronouncing the last two). <\/p>\n

Radio, television and internet ads are also exploding with claims for these and dozens of other supplements that claim to promote brain health, prevent or slow cognitive decline, enhance bone and muscle health, and generally boost healthier living. <\/p>\n

While a balanced diet is the gold standard for nutrition, supplements really can play a targeted role for seniors whose bodies may no longer absorb nutrients as efficiently as they once did. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of Americans take at least one vitamin daily, and for seniors, about 25% of us take four or more supplements. <\/p>\n

There are plenty of claims \u2014 both pro and con \u2014 around supplements. My son, who is an ER doctor and health expert, says they can be helpful, but there are also many claims with very limited evidence to back them up. Cardiologist Dr. Eric Topol, author of \u201cSuper Agers\u201d and a noted longevity expert, agrees.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think any anti-aging supplements have been proven,\u201d he said. \u201cTaurine is a possible candidate (a nutrient supporting heart, brain, muscle and metabolic health). As we age, we see lower levels of taurine in the blood, and that is correlated with more inflammation. But we need more trials.\u201d <\/p>\n

Despite limited evidence that shows specifically how various supplements may promote longevity, older adults can\u2019t simply wait around for all of the evidence to be in. Many are taking a measured approach to vitamin supplements, anticipating that time and clinical trials may later prove them right \u2026 with at least some of the supplements that they are taking. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a crap shoot,\u201d my friend Dwayne Guidry said. \u201cI\u2019m not doing anything crazy, but I\u2019m also not just sitting on my hands awaiting the results of clinical trials. I\u2019ll be pushing up daisies by the time those results are in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marleen Chappell, who takes seven different supplements daily, agreed. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a perfect process, but I want to be as healthy as I can for as long as I can,\u201d Chappell said. \u201cI\u2019m trying to outsmart my future self by taking a moderate approach. If nothing matters in the long run, no big deal. I didn\u2019t spend a lot of money and I didn\u2019t do anything weird.\u201d <\/p>\n

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While not necessarily boosting longevity, some supplements can act as a \u201csafety net\u201d to fill specific nutritional gaps caused by age-related physiological changes.<\/p>\n