Ageing involves a broad range of factors: genetics, lifestyle, nutrition and stress levels. Latest ageing research has discovered that ageing is mainly accelerated by just a few factors: declining cellular energy production, free radical damage, the 'browning' of proteins by glucose and impaired immune defences.

So, what does this mean and what can I do about it?

If the main factors are free radical damage and declining cellular production, there may be quite a lot we can do about it. Scientists at Berkeley University have discovered a miracle combination of natural supplements that can help reduce both of these. A team of researchers fed a group of rats two supplements normally found in the body's cells: L-Carnitine and an antioxidant, Alpha-Lipoic Acid. After being given the supplements, the rats did better on memory tests and they had more energy. These scientists believe that the effects may be the same in humans. Tests are continuing but a study done on the Channel 4 Richard and Judy Show seem to bear out these results. Richard and Judy took a number of volunteers and gave them the combination (giving one volunteer a placebo). Within just 2 weeks, the volunteers showed a significant increase in memory and energy levels, whilst the placebo volunteers' improvement was much lower. On average the volunteers 'became' 9 years younger on the tests, and all of them described feeling much better and more energetic.

So, how does it work?

Mitochondria are tiny structures within the cells that convert nutrients into energy. Evidence has been mounting up that deterioration of the mitochondria is an important cause of ageing. This deterioration is largely caused by free radicals - the normal products of metabolism from oxygen; this also damages an enzyme Carnitine Acetyltransferease, which plays a key role in burning fuel in the mitochondria. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is an effective antioxidant and helps to destroy the free radicals which cause the damage in the first place. L-Carnitine is one of the two proteins that the Carnitine enzyme acts on, making it more efficient.

There are other benefits from taking these supplements. Free radicals can do damage to the body and are linked with causing wrinkles, cataracts, blindness and arthritis, so taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid can help to reduce wrinkles and disease, as well as defending against cancer causing DNA damage, cardio-vascular disease and even Alzheimer's Disease. Neither Alpha-Lipoic Acid nor L-Carnitine are dangerous to take as they occur naturally in the body - you're just giving your body a helping hand.

Ok, you've convinced me, what dosage of the supplements should I take?

The dosage is thought to be critical. You should take 500mg of L-Carnitine each day and around 250mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid to get the maximum benefits.

Is there anything else I can do to reduce the effects of ageing?

As free radicals are the major cause of the damage, you need to reduce the free radicals in the body. They are mainly caused by the sun, oxygen and smoking. So, stay out of the sun or use a high factor sunscreen and give up smoking. There is also evidence that some vitamins play an important part in reducing the damage caused by free radicals. In particular Vitamin C, Selenium and Vitamin E are proven to help. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwi fruits and tomatoes. Vitamin E is found in oils, nuts and grains, and selenium is found in garlic, seafood and meats. If you feel you may not be getting enough of these vitamins and minerals, you can get them in supplement form. Q10 is also linked with energy production and protects against free radicals. Generally getting a good balanced diet is crucial in preventing free radical damage.