Lifespan effects of simple and complex nutraceutical combinations fed isocalorically to mice

Abstract

Present data suggest that the consumption of individual dietary supplements does not enhance the health or longevity of healthy rodents or humans. It might be argued that more complex combinations of such agents might extend lifespan or health-span by more closely mimicking the complexity of micronutrients in fruits and vegetables, which appear to extend health-span and longevity. To test this hypothesis we treated long-lived, male, F1 mice with published and commercial combinations of dietary supplements and natural product extracts, and determined their effects on lifespan and health-span. Nutraceutical, vitamin or mineral combinations reported to extend the lifespan or health-span of healthy or enfeebled rodents were tested, as were combinations of botanicals and nutraceuticals implicated in enhanced longevity by a longitudinal study of human aging. A cross-section of commercial nutraceutical combinations sold as potential health enhancers also were tested, including Bone Restore®, Juvenon®, Life Extension Mix®, Ortho Core®, Ortho Mind®, Super K w k2®, and Ultra K2®. A more complex mixture of vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts and other nutraceuticals was compounded and tested. No significant increase in murine lifespan was found for any supplement mixture. Our diverse supplement mixture significantly decreased lifespan. Thus, our results do not support the hypothesis that simple or complex combinations of nutraceuticals, including antioxidants, are effective in delaying the onset or progress of the major causes of death in mice. The results are consistent with epidemiological studies suggesting that dietary supplements are not beneficial and even may be harmful for otherwise healthy individuals.

Almond Skin Extracts and Chlorogenic Acid Delay Replicative Aging by Enhanced Oxidative Stress Response Involving SIR2 and SOD2 in Yeast

“…Given the concentration of CHL present in EA, and although the almond extract has antiaging activity, these results may suggest the presence of antagonistic compounds in this extract, which may hinder the action of CHL. Interestingly, this result is consistent with previous observations that, although some supplements may be effective, the majority of evidence has shown that either simple or complex combinations of supplements are mostly ineffective in preventing the occurrence or progression of major causes of disease [32]. Here, AE increased the lifespan of yeast by 27.5 %, while a dose-dependent effect was observed for CHL and a concentration of 25 µM was necessary to reach a life-span extension similar to that observed with the RES positive control ( Figure 1a).…”

Life Extension

“…In addition, nutraceutical, vitamin, or mineral combinations that have had success in previous studies were tested again. Spindler et al (2014) found that there was no significant increase in rodent life span for any supplement mixture including combinations that had been reported to increase life span in previous experiments. Also, some of the more complex mixtures tested significantly decreased life span.…”

“…Furthermore, cohort studies of human multivitamin use and mortality have found no benefit (Watkins 2000;Park et al 2011). Among the diverse studies of multifold supplementation, it is clear that those of Spindler (see, e.g., Spindler 2012;Spindler et al 2014) have achieved the highest standards of design and replication. Spindler et al (2014) performed isocaloric studies in mice to test the hypothesis that complex mixtures of dietary supplements including vitamins, phytochemicals, and other nutraceuticals could increase the longevity of initially healthy mammals.…”

“…Among the diverse studies of multifold supplementation, it is clear that those of Spindler (see, e.g., Spindler 2012;Spindler et al 2014) have achieved the highest standards of design and replication. Spindler et al (2014) performed isocaloric studies in mice to test the hypothesis that complex mixtures of dietary supplements including vitamins, phytochemicals, and other nutraceuticals could increase the longevity of initially healthy mammals. In addition, nutraceutical, vitamin, or mineral combinations that have had success in previous studies were tested again.…”

Antiaging effects of bioactive molecules isolated from plants and fungi

“…While it is unclear whether additive or synergistic effects were produced in this case, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the strategy to increase lifespan and healthspan. On the other hand, the nutraceutical mixture did not extend the lifespan of the long‐lived F1 strain of mice, suggesting involvement of the genetic background of the animals tested.…”