There are 13 essential vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin K.
Vitamins are essential to healthy human life. Some vitamins are fat-soluble, which are stored in fatty tissues; while other vitamins are water-soluble, which are used immediately or excreted in the urine. As a man ages, his body's needs change, and he becomes increasingly at risk for vitamin deficiencies which may lead to serious symptoms including mental decline. Taking vitamins can enhance overall health after the age of 60.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin belonging to a family of compounds called "tocopherols." According to AARP, tocopherols are power antioxidants which support healthy immune function; maintain healthy skin and eyes and reduce the risk of cancers such as prostate, lung and gastrointestinal. Vitamin E supplementation in older patients can boost immune function, thereby lowering the risk of infections. Additional benefits include reduced fatigue, liver protection, enhanced memory retention and pain relief due to the vitamin's anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E may also lower the risk of developing Parkinson's and enable diabetics to process insulin more efficiently. Additionally, according to a 2002 report from epidemiologists involved with a Dutch study in the 1990s, high vitamin E intake lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which supports the production of red blood cells, DNA and healthy nerve cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are at the highest risk of becoming deficient in this essential vitamin. A B12 deficiency can cause psychiatric symptoms and neurological abnormalities such as muscle weakness, mood swings, shaky movements, dementia, low blood pressure and vision problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may emerge with B12 levels that are just below normal levels.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be obtained from eggs, milk and fish, and is produced by the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D aids the body in absorbing calcium for optimal bone health; thus, vitamin D may reduce the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, osteomalacia (muscular and bone weakness) and high blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are among those at high risk for developing vitamin D deficiency. According to AARP, elderly men with low vitamin D levels are at greatly increased risk of having memory problems, attention deficits and problems with logic
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