People search for the fountain of youth every day. There are many advertisements in print and on television. Remember though, there is not a magic pill and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are vitamins and minerals though that do have an impact on the body and can help reduce the effects of aging. They are common to most anti-aging supplements.

Antioxidant is a word that is frequently used in anti-aging claims. Antioxidants are vitamins, enzymes and minerals that neutralize free radicals in the body before they cause damage or repairs damage afterwards. A free radical is partly a byproduct of a cells’ normal metabolism. Other free radicals come from stress, environmental pollution, ultraviolet rays and cigarette smoking. Free radicals are believed to add to the aging process.

Beta-carotene is important because it is converted by the body to vitamin A. Vitamin A works to build the immune system to fight infections.

Vitamin C contributes to lower rates of cancer and heart disease. It is found mostly in the skin. The skin is the largest organ and suffers the most from environmental damage so the protection from vitamin C is important.

Vitamin E may protect against cancers, cataracts and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It is the most important antioxidant because it protects cell membranes by inactivating free radicals. Vitamin E has also been shown to prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

Selenium might help in preventing cancer. It comes from whole grain cereals, seafood and eggs. Some studies have shown it preserves tissue elasticity that comes from oxidation and helps against skin cancer.

Coenzyme Q-10, which is produced by the body, shows promising results in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Vitamin D aids in regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which makes for stronger bones.

B-6, B-12 and folic acid work together to lower blood levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease if there are high levels present. The B-complex vitamins are excellent for dealing with stress.

DHEA or Dehydroepiandrosterone, which was banned in 1985, made a comeback under the DSHEA rules. It is converted by the body into estrogen and testosterone. These sex hormones decrease as you age. It helps to slow aging, increase the muscle and bone strength as well as improve other areas. There are some side effects such as raising blood pressure and worsening liver problems.

Melatonin is produced in the brain and helps regulate sleep. It is also an antioxidant. Claims for it include reversing aging and fighting cancer. Too much can interrupt your body’s normal sleep cycles.

Human growth hormone or HGH is present in the body mainly during adolescence. These levels drop off as aging occurs. Receiving injections of HGH may burn fat, build muscle and increase energy. Be aware of side effects though.

Since supplements fall under the FDA’s Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, these claims are largely unproven. Use care and talk with your doctor about concerns you may have.

Extreme cases when ingredients in herbal supplements cause severe side effects are unusual. But dietary supplements have long raised safety worries, with high-profile examples including ephedra, the herbal weight-loss treatment pulled from the U.S. market in 2004 after it was tied to heart problems and strokes. Some doctors continue to be concerned about evidence of side effects from such herbal ingredients, including research highlighting possible concerns about kava and comfrey. And the issue is drawing new attention after recent reports from the FDA about allegedly natural supplements illegally containing performance-enhancing drugs and undeclared pharmaceuticals.

For consumers, the upshot can be confusion and alarm. But people can reduce the risk that the supplements they take will endanger their health using a growing number of online information resources and certification programs, and some common-sense tactics.

Nearly two-thirds of American adults take dietary supplements, a broad category that includes vitamins, minerals and herbal products, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, an industry trade group. The most commonly used include multivitamins, calcium and omega-3, the group says. Allegedly natural over-the-counter treatments that promise to melt pounds, build muscle or boost energy are also widely used.

Most herbal supplements are consumed without raising safety concerns. Still, the products are much less closely scrutinized than drugs, which are tested extensively and must win FDA approval before going on the market. Supplements that are made from products that were on the U.S. market before 1994 can be sold without being reviewed by the FDA beforehand. Companies that include newer substances are supposed to inform the agency before they go on the market, but don’t have to wait for approval.

Officials at the Council for Responsible Nutrition say no new laws are needed, citing new FDA manufacturing standards for supplements, which are now being phased in, as well as a requirement for supplement makers to tell the FDA when they get reports of serious side effects, which took effect at the end of 2007.

Thats why people who want to take a supplement should talk to a doctor. Along with talking to a physician, people can do their own research. Many herbs have been tested in major studies and shown no benefits. Some have been linked to side effects, even without the presence of undisclosed drugs.

Before they take a supplement, consumers should also check for potential interactions between any herb, vitamin or mineral and their prescriptions. They should also be particularly sensitive if they have existing health issues. For instance, those with heart conditions should be careful about supplements that act as stimulants, which can involve ingredients such as bitter orange and guarana, in addition to caffeine.

Consumers can also search for specific supplements before taking them at www.fda.gov, to see if they’ve been included in safety warnings. Some other tactics are common sense, like being suspicious of those that boast dramatic curative effects. Consumers should also closely read the ingredients. Potentially dangerous substances often won’t be disclosed. But sometimes they are – if you know what to look for.

Finally, people should watch carefully for any symptoms that start after they take a new supplement.

When used properly, many herbal supplements may be safe and possibly beneficial to health. However, a few natural supplements can cause life-threatening problems or dangerous interactions with medications.

Natural doesn’t always mean safe when it comes to herbal supplements, according to the Mayo Clinic Health Newsletter. The newsletter covers some of the known interactions between herbal supplements and medications:

Garlic, ginseng, ginger and feverfew:
Patients who take anti-clotting medications such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) and clopidogrel (Plavix) should avoid these natural supplements. They may increase the risk of bleeding. Supplements chondroitin and glucosamine also may interfere with warfarin.

Ginkgo:
Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking anti-clotting medications. Ginkgo can counteract the blood pressure-lowering benefits of thiazide diuretic drugs. It also can interfere with anti-seizure medications.

Kava:
Kava is a sedative herb and is associated with serious liver problems, even when taken for a short time. Many medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, pose a risk of liver damage. Taking kava supplements may increase the risk of liver problems even more.

St. John’s wort:
This supplement can greatly increase or decrease the potency of many medications and cause serious side effects. Patients who take antidepressants, anti-blood-clotting drugs, certain asthma drugs, immune-suppressing medications or steroids should probably avoid St. John’s wort.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e):
This can cause serious side effects when taken with antidepressant medications that affect serotonin.

It’s always best to keep health care providers informed about natural herbal supplement you use, especially when starting a new medication or preparing for a medical procedure. Some herbal supplements need to be discontinued two to three weeks before certain surgical procedures, because they affect blood clotting, response to sedation and blood pressure control.