Our guiding principle comes from medical ethics: first, do no harm. That means every supplement recommendation is evaluated through two key lenses:
- Safety — Is there sufficient evidence that the supplement is safe in the patient’s context?
- Need — Is there a clear clinical reason for the patient to take it?
Why “Do No Harm” Comes First
Supplements are not subject to the same rigorous approval process as medications. Quality, dosage, and purity can vary widely, especially in unregulated markets.
Examples of safety concerns:
- Some red yeast rice products have been withdrawn in Japan due to safety issues.
- Contamination and inaccurate labeling remain common risks in products purchased online.
This is why we only recommend supplements after weighing both the evidence of benefit and the absence of significant harm.
Know Your Supplement Needs Early
Before we dive into which supplements may help, remember this: supplements should fit into your personal health plan, not replace it.
That’s why, as part of our Longevity Screening Program, we offer a Free Supplement Needs Check — a short, evidence-based questionnaire that helps you understand whether you may benefit from supplements for healthy aging.
Supplements With Evidence
Certain supplements have credible evidence for supporting healthspan when used correctly and monitored.
Red Yeast Rice & Plant Sterols
- Supported by the Ministry of Health (Singapore) guidelines for cardiovascular disease management.
- Can help lower LDL cholesterol in selected patients.
- Must be sourced from reputable suppliers to ensure purity and safety.
Vitamin D
- From our patient data, more than 50% of those tested show deficiency (<30 ng/mL).
- Correcting deficiency (e.g., raising levels from 16 → 40–50 ng/mL) may support bone, immune, cardiovascular, and cognitive health.
- Safe and affordable when dosed appropriately; we always test before recommending.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- May benefit patients with low HDL cholesterol or higher cardiovascular risk.
- Evidence supports improvements in lipid profiles and reduced inflammation.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Especially useful for patients on statins.
- May help reduce muscle-related side effects and support mitochondrial function.
Why We Supplement on a Needs Basis
We do not recommend a “one-size-fits-all” supplement package. Instead:
- Test first: for deficiencies (Vitamin D, B12, iron, etc.).
- Target goals: e.g., cardiovascular support, bone health, cognitive support.
- Minimum effective dose: safe, evidence-based, sustainable.
This approach is the foundation of longevity medicine in Singapore — where personalized, prevention-first care matters more than hype.
Our Takeaway Message
Supplements can play a role in healthy aging — but they require the same care we give to medications.
At Advantage Medical Group, our approach is always:
- Safety first
- Evidence before hype
- Needs before novelty
Ready to find out which supplements may (or may not) help you?
Schedule your visit with us today
References
- Ministry of Health, Singapore. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Lipids. 2016.
- Li JJ, et al. Chinese Coronary Secondary Prevention Study: Effect of Xuezhikang. Am J Cardiol. 2003;92(2):144–148.
- Demonty I, et al. Continuous Dose–Response Relationship of Phytosterol Intake. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(5):1369–1375.
- Holick MF, et al. Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(7):1911–1930.
- Bernasconi AA, et al. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Outcomes. EClinicalMedicine. 2021;38:100997.
- Banach M, et al. Coenzyme Q10 for Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(1):24–34.
