Healthy aging & antioxidants
Check what applies to you and the best-matched supplements move to the top.
Nothing checked yetDefault order, by strength of evidence.
Bottom line
For healthy aging & antioxidants, start with Omega-3, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). The first one to look at is Omega-3 — 1,000 mg for maintenance, 2,000–3,000 mg for a stronger approach (EPA+DHA combined); Right after a meal. If you take 2+ capsules, split them across meals.
Supplements ranked for this concern
AWell researchedBSome evidenceCLimited evidence
| # | Supplement | Evidence | When | How much | Caution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omega-3Matches your checks May lower chronic inflammation and support healthy blood flow, which is why it's a basic pick as you get older. |
A | Right after a meal. If you take 2+ capsules, split them across meals. | 1,000 mg for maintenance, 2,000–3,000 mg for a stronger approach (EPA+DHA combined) | If you take a blood thinner, it may raise bleeding risk. Talk to your doctor. | Compare products |
| 2 | Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)Matches your checks An energy coenzyme whose levels in the body drop after 40. It may help with energy and antioxidant support. |
B | After breakfast or lunch (at night it may disturb sleep) | 100–200 mg a day. Split doses above 200 mg. | If you take warfarin or blood pressure medicine, talk to your doctor first. | Compare products |
| 3 | Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)Matches your checks A strong antioxidant that recharges other antioxidants. It may help with chronic inflammation and blood sugar. |
B | On an empty stomach 30 minutes to 1 hour before a meal, apart from other supplements | 100–200 mg for maintenance, 600 mg for a stronger approach | Taken with diabetes medicine, it may drop your blood sugar too low. | Details |
| 4 | Vitamin CMatches your checks Helps make collagen and works with other antioxidants. It may support skin and blood vessels as you age. |
B | After meals, split into 2–3 doses a day | 1,000 mg a day as a baseline | High doses can cause heartburn and raise kidney stone risk. Be careful if you're prone to stones. | Compare products |
| 5 | Protein supplementMatches your checks Helps protect the muscle you naturally lose with age, which can support strength and energy. |
B | Total amount matters more than timing. Morning or after exercise, split into 2 servings. | 20–30 g a day from supplements (total protein 0.8–1.5 g per kg of body weight) | If you have kidney or liver disease, talk to your doctor first. | Compare products |
| 6 | GlutathioneMatches your checks The body's main built-in antioxidant, but whether it's absorbed when taken by mouth is still debated. |
C | Regular form on an empty stomach. Liposomal form with or without food. | 250–500 mg a day. Start low. | If you're being treated for an autoimmune disease, talk to your doctor. | Details |
| 7 | NMNMatches your checks Gets attention for raising NAD, which declines with age, but evidence in people is still limited. |
C | On an empty stomach (around 10 a.m. or 3–4 p.m.). If it upsets your stomach, take it after a meal. | Start at 150 mg. Usually 100–500 mg. | The right dose isn't established yet. Products with NAD itself have absorption and potency problems, so choose NMN or NR. | Details |
| 8 | ResveratrolMatches your checks A polyphenol that may lower inflammatory markers. There's a lot of research, but results are mixed. |
C | After a meal | 200–400 mg a day | Taken with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, it may raise bleeding risk. | Details |
Medications to watch out for
If you take any medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin)Omega-3 · Coenzyme Q10 · ResveratrolYour blood may get thinner and bleeding risk may rise. Talk to your doctor before taking them.
Blood pressure medicineOmega-3 · Coenzyme Q10 · Alpha-lipoic acidBlood pressure may drop further and make you dizzy.
Diabetes drugs and insulinAlpha-lipoic acidBlood sugar may drop further. Start with a low dose.
Chemotherapy or radiation treatmentVitamin C · Coenzyme Q10High-dose antioxidants may make treatment less effective. Always talk to your doctor first.
Being treated for kidney diseaseProtein supplementMay strain the kidneys, which filter out protein waste.
Before supplements: daily habits
- 01If you're 60 or older, start with the basics: omega-3, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and a multivitamin.
- 02Antioxidant care works best when you start young and stay consistent, not after aging sets in.
- 03Rather than taking a lot of one antioxidant, take several that recharge each other.
- 04If you eat only two meals a day, you're probably short on protein. Get it from food first.
- 05Add strength training so the protein actually goes to your muscles.
Product comparison
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burp Less Ultra Omega-3 from Fish Oil 1400 mgBest value Nature Made |
EE (ethyl ester), enteric-coated | 935 mg | 90 | Low | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 950 mg Solgar |
EE (ethyl ester) | 882 mg | 100 | Low | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 2400 mg, Lemon Nature's Branch |
Form not listed, lemon flavor | 1440 mg | 180 | Low | Amazon → |
| Extra-Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000 mg + Vitamin E, Lemon NatureWise |
EE (ethyl ester), lemon flavor | 1000 mg | 60 | Low | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1250 mg (Wild Alaska Pollock) Sports Research |
rTG (re-esterified triglyceride) | 950 mg | 90 | Average | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 2000 mg Dr. Tobias |
Form not listed, enteric-coated | 1400 mg | 180 | Average | Amazon → |
| Burp Less Omega-3 Fish Oil 1400 mg Minis Nature Made |
EE (ethyl ester), mini softgels | 930 mg | 60 | Average | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 3000 mg, Lemon BioSchwartz |
Form not listed, lemon flavor | 2100 mg | 90 | Average | Amazon → |
Compare all Omega-3 products →
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co Q-10 100 mg (Q-Sorb) Rapid Release SoftgelsBest value Puritan's Pride |
Water-soluble Q-Sorb ubiquinone in rice bran oil softgels | 100 mg | 240 | Low | Amazon → |
| CoQ10 100 mg Vegetarian Capsules Nutricost |
CoQ10 powder with rice flour in veggie capsules | 100 mg | 120 | Low | Amazon → |
| CoQ10 100 mg Softgels NOW Foods |
Ubiquinone in olive oil softgels | 100 mg | 150 | Low | Amazon → |
| CoQ10 100 mg Softgels Nature Made |
Ubiquinone in soybean oil softgels | 100 mg | 120 | Low | Amazon → |
| Ultra CoQ10 100 mg Softgels Qunol |
Water-soluble ubiquinone (USP-grade) in MCT softgels | 100 mg | 120 | Average | Amazon → |
| Mega CoQ10 Ubiquinol 100 mg Softgels Qunol |
Ubiquinol (Kaneka) in MCT softgels | 100 mg | 100 | Average | Amazon → |
| Ubiquinol 100 mg Softgels Qunol |
Ubiquinol (Kaneka) in MCT softgels | 100 mg | 120 | Average | Amazon → |
| CoQ10 200 mg Softgels Nature Made |
Ubiquinone in soybean oil softgels | 200 mg | 105 | Average | Amazon → |
Compare all Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) products →
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Powder 1 kgBest value BulkSupplements.com |
Ascorbic acid powder | 1000 mg | 1000 | Low | Amazon → |
| Vitamin C 500 mg Bronson |
Ascorbic acid (plain) | 500 mg | 250 | Low | Amazon → |
| Vitamin C 1000 mg (previously Amazon Elements) Amazon Basics |
Ascorbic acid (plain) | 1000 mg | 300 | Low | Amazon → |
| Vitamin C 500 mg with Rose Hips Nature Made |
Ascorbic acid (plain) | 500 mg | 130 | Low | Amazon → |
| Sodium Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C Powder 16 oz NutriBiotic |
Buffered (sodium ascorbate) powder | 1100 mg | 363 | Low | Amazon → |
| C-1000 Sustained Release with Rose Hips NOW Foods |
Time-release ascorbic acid + rose hips 25 mg | 1000 mg | 250 | Low | Amazon → |
| Vitamin C 1000 mg Caplets Nature's Bounty |
Ascorbic acid (plain) | 1000 mg | 100 | Low | Amazon → |
| Vitamin C 1000 mg with Rose Hips Nutricost |
Ascorbic acid (plain) + rose hips 25 mg | 1000 mg | 240 | Low | Amazon → |
Compare all Vitamin C products →
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Protein Isolate, Gourmet Vanilla (20 servings)Best value Dymatize |
Hydrolyzed whey isolate + whey isolate (WPI) powder, vanilla | 1 scoop (30 g): protein 25 g | 20 | Average | Amazon → |
| Gold Standard 100% Whey, Double Rich Chocolate, 2 lb Optimum Nutrition |
Mostly whey isolate (WPI) + concentrate and whey peptides powder, chocolate | 1 scoop (30.4 g): protein 24 g | 29 | Average | Amazon → |
| Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate Protein Powder, Unflavored 1 lb Isopure |
Unflavored whey isolate (WPI) powder | 1 scoop (29 g): protein 25 g | 16 | High | Amazon → |
| Isopure Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder, Citrus Lemonade 1.9 lb Isopure |
Clear whey isolate (WPI) drink powder, lemonade | 1 scoop (25 g): protein 20 g | 36 | High | Amazon → |
Compare all Protein supplement products →
Cost per day is relative — compared with other products of the same supplement. Check Amazon for the current price. Some links are affiliate links.