As we get older, it’s only natural to look for ways to support healthy aging, and supplements can seem like an easy place to start. But while some vitamins and nutrients can help fill important gaps in your diet, others may not live up to the hype—or could even do more harm than good when taken unnecessarily or in high doses. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s actually backed by evidence before adding another bottle to your daily routine.
Making smart supplement choices doesn’t have to be complicated. In many cases, all it takes is swapping out a trendy or unnecessary option for one with stronger research behind it. Here are two supplements that you can skip for healthy aging, along with better alternatives that may provide better benefits for your overall wellness.
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1. Skip: High-Dose Vitamin E Supplements
Try Instead: Fish Oil
While vitamin E is an important antioxidant, taking it in high-dose supplement form isn't considered one of the best strategies for healthy aging. Research has found that large amounts of vitamin E don't provide the broad anti-aging benefits many people hope for, and in some cases, excessive supplementation may even increase certain health risks, especially when taken without medical guidance. A better alternative is fish oil, which provides omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health, brain function, and may help reduce inflammation—all areas that become increasingly important with age. If you don't regularly eat fatty fish like salmon or sardines, a high-quality fish oil supplement may be a more beneficial choice.
2. Skip: "Hair, Skin, and Nails" Gummies With Mega Doses of Biotin
Try Instead: Collagen Peptides
Many "hair, skin, and nails" gummies rely on very high doses of biotin, despite the fact that most people already get enough of this vitamin through their diet. Unless you have a true biotin deficiency—which is relatively uncommon—taking extra biotin is unlikely to noticeably improve your appearance, and high doses can even interfere with certain laboratory test results. Instead, experts often recommend collagen peptides for healthy aging. Collagen production naturally declines over time, and collagen peptide supplements may help support skin elasticity and hydration while also promoting joint health when combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
