A new study published in the Journal of Ageing and Longevity suggests that a daily supplement containing concentrated extracts of vegetables, spices, and fruit may help to slow or reverse biological aging in older men. The four-month trial involved men in their 70s who took a supplement composed of broccoli, green tea, pomegranates, cranberries, ginger, and turmeric.
Participants who took the plant supplement alone showed an approximately 8% improvement in grip strength and a 12% increase in testosterone levels. Those who also took a probiotic mix containing five types of Lactobacillus bacteria and prebiotics from chicory and vitamin D experienced a more significant 46% improvement in grip strength. Researchers involved in the study, including scientists from the University of California and Edith Cowan University in Australia, highlighted the importance of combining the plant supplement with probiotics.
Physiological Effects
Many participants reported improved sexual function and erections, which researchers believe could be linked to the increased testosterone levels. Low testosterone in older men has previously been associated with reduced muscle mass, increased frailty, and a higher risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular causes.
The plants used in the supplement are rich in phytochemicals, which are natural compounds known to reduce inflammation and protect DNA. The study co-author, Professor Robert Thomas of the University of Bedfordshire, noted that these ingredients also act as prebiotics, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is thought to reduce inflammation, which can cause fatigue, low mood, and joint stiffness, and improve nutrient absorption, ultimately boosting energy, muscle function, and testosterone levels.
Professor Thomas stated that the findings indicate that age-related declines in gut health, testosterone, and grip strength are not inevitable and may be reversible. While the current study focused on men, he anticipates that women could experience similar benefits, particularly concerning longevity, as the underlying mechanisms related to gut health are the same. A future study involving women is planned to measure menopausal symptoms, inflammation, and muscle strength.
Broader Dietary Context
Previous research has also linked plant-based diets to longer, healthier lives. A study involving over 500,000 UK adults found that diets high in vegetables, fruit, pulses, and legumes were associated with markers of improved longevity, such as longer telomere length. Telomeres, protective caps on chromosomes, shorten with age, contributing to cellular aging.
However, some experts urge caution regarding the interpretation of the supplement study's results. Professor Gunter Kuhnle of the University of Reading commented that while plant-based diets are important, the effectiveness of specific supplements for longevity remains unclear. He suggested that a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables is the most reliable way to maintain health, rather than relying on specific supplements or "superfood" combinations.
Professor Gary Frost of Imperial College London pointed out potential limitations in the study's methodology, noting that the group showing the greatest improvement was younger and had greater baseline grip strength than the other group. He suggested these initial differences might influence the observed outcomes, making the results difficult to definitively interpret.
To achieve the same concentration of nutrients found in the daily supplement, an individual would need to consume roughly half a pomegranate, four florets of broccoli, three cups of green tea, a heaped teaspoon of turmeric, ten cranberries, and a 2cm cube of fresh ginger daily. The probiotic component is roughly equivalent to the amount of beneficial bacteria found in three teaspoons of kimchi.