Consumer Reports: Anti-aging treatment claims: the promises vs. the science

A staggering number of over-the-counter and prescription products claim to add years of optimum health, notes Consumer Reports. That has created a big and booming anti-aging business reportedly worth about $292 billion worldwide this year alone.

But is there a good reason to buy? Consumer Reports looks at the science behind treatments said to turn back the clock:


The Promise: Boost Brainpower

A slew of supplements and prescription drugs are offered as a way to improve your attention, cognition and focus.

The potions: One group, dubbed nootropics, includes dietary supplements containing such ingredients as caffeine, fish oil and herbs. The other main group includes prescription-only stimulants for ADHD, the Alzheimer's drug donepezil and the narcolepsy and sleep-apnea drug modafinil. Doctors can legally prescribe those drugs for off-label use, or one not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The science: There's little evidence that nootropics improve cognition. Prescription drugs don't help enhance cognition in everyone and might worsen it in some, according to the American Academy of Neurology.

The Promise: Revive Your Sex Life

Advertisements claim that testosterone therapy might ease the lethargy and restore the lost libido that can accompany low levels of the hormone in men. Combating a condition that the ads refer to as "low T," it is suggested, will boost your sex drive and help you reclaim energy.

The potions: Prescription testosterone treatments are FDA-approved, but only for men with hypogonadism, a failure to produce enough testosterone due to disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland or brain. Still, the therapy can be prescribed off-label.

The science: Testosterone therapy can increase risks for heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Research also suggests that the treatment might encourage the growth of existing prostate cancer, boost the likelihood of sleep apnea and cause the enlargement of the prostate, the growth of breast tissue, swollen feet and a lower sperm count. If you have low energy or libido, see a doctor. The culprit might actually be stress, medications, depression, diabetes, obesity or too little sleep or exercise.

The Promise: Get Strong and Lean

Human growth hormone (HGH) is promoted by those in the anti-aging arena as a way to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, make skin more elastic and slow bone loss.

The potions: Injections of the synthetic version of HGH are now notorious for abuse by pro athletes and bodybuilders.

The science: Pituitary-derived human growth hormone, which helps maintain tissues and organs, is essential for development in children and teens. Therapy with HGH is FDA-approved only for a few conditions in adults, including growth-hormone deficiency caused by pituitary damage. Consumer Reports notes that it's illegal for doctors to prescribe or distribute HGH for anti-aging. The drug can cause a slew of potential side effects, including carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling, joint pain, enlargement of the heart and liver and Type 2 diabetes. It may also increase cancer risk.

The Promise: Energy and Vitality

A long list of supplements are said to stave off one or more aspects of aging, as well as to boost mood, enhance sexual functioning and increase energy.


The potions: Several of the more widely sold supplements in this area include the hormone DHEA, which, at least in theory, can modestly raise testosterone and estrogen; coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitaminlike substance that helps provide energy to cells; and melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone.

The science: There's little evidence that any supplements have anti-aging properties. The ones mentioned above can interact with medications. (Warnings about side effects and safety aren't generally required to be on the label, as with over-the-counter and prescription drugs.) For instance, melatonin, which can interact with blood pressure drugs, diabetes drugs and blood thinners, was responsible for more calls to poison control centers in 2013 than any other supplement.

Editors, Consumer Reports