As we grow older, we have higher chances of experiencing various health problems. And most of them are normal since our bodies are not designed to last forever. However, older adults need to focus on specific health aspects if they want to live a long and healthy life. One of these is taking vitamins because the body produces smaller amounts of them as we age.
Many people think they lack vitamins altogether, but the truth is that the body becomes deficient in only a few of them as we grow older. And even though the vitamin statistics suggest that our body needs 13 essential vitamins altogether, the elderly usually lack just three of them.
3 Key Vitamins Seniors Need in Their Diets
Vitamin D
There are quite a few similarities between children and the elderly in many aspects of life. It may all too much resemble the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” where it’s perfectly painted how life is similar in both ages. And interestingly enough, these two age groups require pretty much the same nutrients.
Namely, vitamin D is a key supplement for babies because it helps their bones grow. Conversely, the same vitamin is essential for preserving bone health later in life. Vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium and keeps the body safe from osteoporosis — one of the threats older people face.
Exposure to sunlight is one of the best ways to get this vitamin naturally. Still, many Americans suffer from vitamin D insufficiency. This leads to many other health problems, such as cardiovascular issues, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, infections, depression, asthma, allergies, etc.
Vitamin B12
Being insufficient in vitamin B12 lowers the production of new red blood cells. And since they transport oxygen, our body heavily depends on them. An insufficient amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream can lead to various health problems.
The elderly have a hard time processing foods rich in B12, which is why it might be necessary for them to take it as a supplement. Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 make seniors tired and weak, which is one of the reasons why they aren’t as agile as young people.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes problems with the nervous system as well. This vitamin is one of the main contributors to creating myelin, which is a fatty substance acting as insulation for the nerves. Without it, the nerves get damaged. This results in paresthesia and feels as if needles and pins are spiking through the skin.
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Vitamins C
Although seniors have no problem with processing vitamin C, they must eat foods rich in this vitamin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it protects blood cells and purifies the bloodstream. It also prevents the clogging of arteries, maintains normal blood pressure levels, and protects against stroke.
Vitamin C is a well-known booster for the production of new white cells. Namely, white cells comprise the immune system, and a good amount of vitamin C improves our immunity, prevents viruses and bacteria from taking over, and helps us live longer and healthier.
Conclusion
Vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin C are crucial for older adults. Anyone trying to take care of their health needs to consume more foods rich in these three vitamins. Luckily, these types of foods are everywhere around us.
However, if you can’t find naturally produced vitamin-rich foods, you can always get vitamins in the form of supplements. You can buy them over the counter, so there’s no need for a prescription
