Vitamins

Glucosamine sulfate is one of the most popular supplements taken for joint support. More than 40 million Americans take this compound daily for stiff joints and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Eight percent of seniors report taking glucosamine, making people ages 60 and up the biggest market for this supplement. What does the research show about its effectiveness and potential side effects? In this article, we discuss these questions, and reveal a 2026 study that links accelerated dementia in glucosamine supplement users who already showed signs of dementia.

Glucosamine Studies

Glucosamine sulfate is primarily studied for its potential to relieve osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms, especially in the knees. Research also looks at its role as a potential cartilage-preserving agent, particularly in relation to osteoarthritis management.
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Vitamin C is best known for immune support, but its role in healthy aging is broader than that. Ascorbic acid, the chemical name for Vitamin C, helps the body make collagen, supports blood vessel integrity, assists wound healing, improves the absorption of iron from plant foods, and acts as an antioxidant. These functions matter throughout the body, including in the brain and eyes.

A recent large study of older adults adds another reason to pay attention to vitamin C status. Researchers found that lower plasma vitamin C levels were associated with lower gray matter volume and weaker connectivity in a major brain network involved in memory, attention, and self-reflection. The study does not prove that vitamin C prevents brain shrinkage or cognitive decline. However, it does suggest that healthy vitamin C levels may be one marker of better brain aging. ¹
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Your nervous system runs on communication. Nerves send signals from the brain and spinal cord out to the rest of the body, and back again. Myelin is the protective, fatty coating wrapped around many nerve fibers. Think of it as insulation around wiring: it helps signals travel faster, more clearly, and with less electrical leakage. ¹

Myelin is also part of a bigger support system. In the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), specialized cells called oligodendrocytes help build and maintain myelin. These cells do not just wrap nerves; they also support neurons structurally and metabolically, helping the nervous system meet energy demands over time.
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Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and healthy nervous system function. When vitamin B12 levels are low, people can develop anemia and experience fatigue and weakness. Therefore, maintaining adequate B12 levels is important for day-to-day energy and overall health. However, B12 can be low even in people who eat Vitamin B12-rich meat and dairy products. Vitamin B12 cannot be produced in the body, so it must be obtained from food or supplements.¹

Newer research suggests vitamin B12 (cobalamin) status may influence more than nerve function alone. Findings highlighted in 2026 point to a relationship between vitamin B12 and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function (the cell’s energy-producing machinery), which may contribute to metabolic resilience and aspects of healthy aging.² In practical terms, maintaining adequate B12 may help support muscle function and strength over time, which can matter for mobility and injury risk as we age.
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A large body of scientific research backs up the claim that astaxanthin is great for your body. As a potent antioxidant, astaxanthin scavenges free radicals that cause cellular damage. This benefits many parts of the body, including your skin, eyes, and brain. What is astaxanthin? Where does it come from? And what does the latest research say about its benefits?

Astaxanthin is a Pigment that Makes Seafood Pink

Astaxanthin is a marine xanthophyll carotenoid primarily produced by microalgae like Haematococcus pluvialis. Dietary astaxanthin can be obtained through seafood, including salmon, trout, shrimp, and krill.
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Vitamin D is often called the “bone vitamin,” but that’s only part of the story. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) also influences systems your eyes rely on every day—especially as we get older: inflammation control, immune regulation, oxidative stress protection, and even how the body manages blood vessel growth.

And here’s the real-world issue: most people don’t get enough vitamin D consistently. Food sources are limited, sunlight is seasonal and complex (plus many of us avoid it for skin health), and modern indoor life takes care of the rest.
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Retinitis Pigmentosa is a progressive eye disease that has long been associated with gradual vision loss and limited treatment options. Affecting about one in every 4,000 people, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is marked by the degeneration of the retina’s photoreceptor cells—first the rods, which are responsible for night vision, and then the cones, which enable us to see in daylight and color. While the genetic complexity and slow progression of RP have posed challenges for patients and researchers alike, recent discoveries are offering new hope. Exciting new research reveals that the retina may have an unexpected ability to adapt: certain retinal cells can rewire themselves in response to degeneration, potentially helping to preserve vision even as the disease advances.
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The link between cardiovascular disease and eye health may not be obvious. However, the eyes are made from nutrients. A large body of research shows how important nutrition is for eye health. Maintaining healthy vision depends on whether the eyes and visual system are properly nourished. Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, can affect the flow of essential nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Poor circulation to the eyes can cause damage to the retina’s tiny blood vessels, with potentially sight-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular disease can often be identified through retinal scans well before the disease is detectable through traditional tests.
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Allergies to food can cause eye symptoms, but food allergies can also lead to vision problems. Grouped with food allergies are food intolerances and food sensitivities. While food allergies are an immune system reaction, intolerances and sensitivities are related to the digestive system. In this article, we discuss how individuals with these food issues need to protect their eyes from harm.

The Differences Between Food Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances

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The brain and visual system rely on a significant portion of the nutrients you consume to maintain optimal health and function. Supporting the connections between the body, mind, and eyes is key to promoting healthy vision, preserving brain health, and reducing the risk of age-related eye and brain diseases. This includes macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, plus dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Many of these conditions stem from a lack of essential nutrients reaching the eyes and brain, leaving them deprived of what they need to thrive. Other factors, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, medications, chronic stress, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, inadequate sleep, and both genetic and epigenetic influences, can also play a role.
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