Do Supplements Work? Which Should I Take? - Dr. Anthony Youn

Summary

In this video, Dr. Anthony Yunnan, America's holistic plastic surgeon, discusses the science behind anti-aging nutritional supplements. He explains the necessity of supplements due to nutrient-depleted soils and the benefits of collagen, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamins A, C, D, and green tea extract for skin health. Dr. Yunnan recommends high-quality supplements and offers a guide for viewers to understand what to take for youthful skin.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Nutrient-depleted soil and industrial farming practices have resulted in less nutritious fruits and vegetables compared to the past.
• 📉 Studies show a significant reduction in key nutrients like protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin C in foods from 1950 to 1999.
• 🍲 No diet was found to supply 100% of the recommended micronutrient levels, indicating the need for nutritional supplements even with a healthy diet.
• 🥚 Collagen supplements have been shown in studies to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen density.
• 🦴 Collagen creams are not recommended as the collagen molecule is too large to penetrate the skin.
• 🛡 Antioxidants are crucial for combating the aging effects of oxidation and free radicals.
• 🐟 Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are beneficial for skin health, reducing inflammation and promoting skin moisturization.
• 🌿 Probiotics are important for gut health, which is interconnected with skin health, and may improve the appearance of the skin.
• 🥕 Vitamin A, in forms like beta carotene and retinoids, is an antioxidant that can protect the skin and eyes from damage.
• 🍊 Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and has been linked to protection against UV radiation and free radicals, as well as less wrinkles and dry skin.
• ☀️ Vitamin D is important for skin health, immune response, and protection against UV radiation, with lower levels associated with more wrinkles and skin issues.
• 🍵 Green tea extract supplements are rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can improve skin elasticity and protect against photo damage and inflammation.

Q & A

Why might someone need to take nutritional supplements even if they eat a healthy diet?

Nutritional supplements might be necessary because industrial farming practices have depleted the soil of essential nutrients, making modern fruits and vegetables less nutritious than in the past. Additionally, the presence of chemicals like glyphosate and pesticides can affect the nutritional value of food.

What did the study conducted between 1950 and 1999 on 43 different fruits and vegetables find regarding nutrient levels?

The study found a significant reduction in six key nutrients: protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), indicating that these fruits and vegetables are not as nutritious as they used to be.

What is the 'gut skin axis' and why is it important for skin health?

The gut skin axis refers to the interconnection between the health of the gut and the skin. A healthy gut microbiome, composed of trillions of bacteria, can lead to better-looking skin with less inflammation and fewer breakouts.

How does ingesting collagen supplements affect the skin according to the studies mentioned in the script?

Studies have shown that ingesting collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and increase collagen density, thus enhancing the overall health and appearance of the skin.

What is the role of antioxidants in anti-aging and why are they important?

Antioxidants are crucial in anti-aging because they neutralize free radicals that cause oxidation, a process that contributes to aging. Consuming a variety of antioxidants helps protect the body and skin from oxidative stress and damage.

Why is fish oil recommended as a nutritional supplement and what does the science say about its benefits for the skin?

Fish oil is recommended because it provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and can moisturize the skin from the inside out. Studies have shown that higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with less dry and atrophied skin.

What is the significance of probiotics in maintaining skin health and how does our modern diet typically affect our gut microbiome?

Probiotics are important for skin health due to the gut skin axis. A modern diet, often lacking in fermented foods, can lead to an impoverished gut microbiome, which may result in poor skin health. Supplementing with probiotics can help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

How does vitamin A contribute to skin health, and what forms of vitamin A are beneficial both topically and internally?

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can protect the skin and eyes from photo damage and inflammation. Forms like beta carotene, retinol, and retinoids are beneficial when applied topically, while ingesting vitamin A supports overall skin health.

What role does vitamin C play in maintaining healthy skin, and how does it protect the skin from environmental damage?

Vitamin C is essential for the production of healthy collagen and acts as a water-soluble antioxidant. Studies have shown that vitamin C can protect the skin from UV radiation damage and free radicals, contributing to less wrinkles and dry skin.

Why is vitamin D important for youthful skin, and how does it help protect the skin from damage?

Vitamin D is important for a youthful appearance as it supports the immune response and protects the skin from UV radiation and cell damage. As skin synthesizes less vitamin D with age, supplementation is crucial for maintaining skin health.

What are the benefits of green tea extract as a supplement, and how does it impact the skin's health?

Green tea extract is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and induce autophagy, a cellular cleanup process. Studies have shown that green tea extract can improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and protect against photo damage and skin cancer.