Key Vitamins For Seniors
17/02/11 08:57
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often called the "sunlight vitamin" as it's produced by the body when the sun's ultraviolet rays hit the skin. It also has the distinction of being the only vitamin the body actually manufactures. It is also a fat-soluble vitamin essential for good teeth and bone health. It also helps to strengthen the immune system. The elderly don't usually get enough Vitamin D. Seniors between the age of 50 and 70 need 400 IU (international units) of it per day. If you're over 70, 600 IU per day.
Vitamin K
Seniors usually lack Vitamin K. It is essential for blood clotting and helps maintain and even enhance bone density. It plays a key role in preventing osteoporosis. We mentioned before that Alzhemier's disease and Vitamin K studies show have a common link -- Vitamin K levels are lower in carriers of the APOE4 gene, the gene that is a risk factor in Alzheimer's. Though not a antioxidant per se, it does prevent cell death. RDA for Vitamin K is 120 micrograms per day for senior men, 90 micrograms for senior women.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential to good senior health. It is a fat soluble vitamin that has potent antioxidant properties thus preventing the oxidation of the fatty acids in the membranes of all cells. It slows aging. (Entertainer Bob Hope gave vitamin E credit for allowing him to live such a long life.) The RDA (Recommended international units (IU) for an adult is 22 IU (or about 15 mgs). There are times when megadoses are given though when digestive mal absorption doesn't occurs. This can range from 100 IU to 200. The dosage prescribed for protection against coronary disease ranges from 400 to 800 IU per day. If you have any questions as to what you need and if you're aren't sure, consult with your doctor. Let's discuss now those Superstar Nutrients.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid benefits include not just antioxidant capability, but it also helps the B vitamins produce more energy from proteins, carbs, and fats. This is one of the unknown yet very capable vitamins for seniors you should know about. Studies also show alpha-lipoic acid supplements help prevent complications from diabetes but it also helps in the treatment of many diversified health issues including, glaucoma, even liver problems cirrhosis -- HIV infection. It helps slow aging-- something of interest to all, including seniors.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is another popular memory enhancer that finds its way in a myriad of memory supplements or memory pills. As with Gingko Biloba, the authors can personally testify as to its efficacy. Due to its capability to enhance memory and as a nerve tonic, among other capabilities, Gotu Kola has been called "food for the brain." Interestingly enough, Gotu Kola is a favorite food among elephants perhaps explaining the saying, "A memory like an elephant."
Gingko Biloba
A Vitamins for Seniors web page wouldn't be complete without mention of Ginkgo Biloba. Gingko Biloba comes from a tree species that is literally one of the oldest trees on earth. This powerful antioxidant helps improve circulation, fights coronary disease, and helps improve and correct brain-centered activity by improving oxygen levels in the brain. It even helps in eliminating impotence and in lessening the effects of Alzheimer's disease. For good effect, take 30 to 60 mg twice a day.
Green Tea Extract
Green Tea possesses powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that studies suggest are even more potent than vitamins C and E to destroy cancer-causing free radicals. This is one of the most potent vitamins for seniors or foods in the world, in our opinion. Among its many therapeutic benefits, Green Tea has also been shown to have very promising results regarding preventing prostate cancer. A study conducted by the respected Mayo Clinic found that "the main polyphenol in Green Tea, which is EGCG, inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells and in high concentrations destroys them." Its affects don't apply only to men. In a study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology July 1996, a study of 35,000 post-menopausal Iowa women showed that those "who drank two or ore cups of tea daily were less likely to develop cancers of the urinary or digestive tract." Look for 25 to 100 mg of green tea extract for best effect.
L-Carnosine
Carnosine is an active antioxidant antiaging substance that is produced by the body by the enzyme carnosine synthetase. It supports cellular rejuvenation by working on both glycosylation and free radical damage. Glycosylation is the oxidation of proteins by glucose (blood sugar) that results in the cross linking of proteins that are in turn implicated in the loss of cell function, genome integrity and aging. Look for a supplement that has 50 to 150 mg of it for optimum effect.
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-Acetylcysteine has shown the ability in clinical studies to actually improve the autoimmune system while simultaneously preventing cellular damage and thus aging. It also is a potent protector to environmental toxins like secondhand cigarette smoke, herbicides, even some chemicals. It is a powerful oxidant when taken at the 35 to 150 mg recommended level.
Resveratrol
Found in red wine and grape juice (among other sources), Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that studies have shown eliminates free radical damage linked to many cancers. It also has robust anti-inflammatory properties. Regarding its anti-cancer capability, it actually combats cancer at all three steps: initiation, promotion, and progression.
Resveratrol also possesses remarkable cholesterol lowering ability. Its antioxidant properties also has the ability to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Lastly, look for a supplement that has 25 to 40 mgs of it for best effect.
Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?Key-Vitamins-For-Seniors-You-Need-To-Know-About-Now&id=827022
Vitamin D is often called the "sunlight vitamin" as it's produced by the body when the sun's ultraviolet rays hit the skin. It also has the distinction of being the only vitamin the body actually manufactures. It is also a fat-soluble vitamin essential for good teeth and bone health. It also helps to strengthen the immune system. The elderly don't usually get enough Vitamin D. Seniors between the age of 50 and 70 need 400 IU (international units) of it per day. If you're over 70, 600 IU per day.
Vitamin K
Seniors usually lack Vitamin K. It is essential for blood clotting and helps maintain and even enhance bone density. It plays a key role in preventing osteoporosis. We mentioned before that Alzhemier's disease and Vitamin K studies show have a common link -- Vitamin K levels are lower in carriers of the APOE4 gene, the gene that is a risk factor in Alzheimer's. Though not a antioxidant per se, it does prevent cell death. RDA for Vitamin K is 120 micrograms per day for senior men, 90 micrograms for senior women.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential to good senior health. It is a fat soluble vitamin that has potent antioxidant properties thus preventing the oxidation of the fatty acids in the membranes of all cells. It slows aging. (Entertainer Bob Hope gave vitamin E credit for allowing him to live such a long life.) The RDA (Recommended international units (IU) for an adult is 22 IU (or about 15 mgs). There are times when megadoses are given though when digestive mal absorption doesn't occurs. This can range from 100 IU to 200. The dosage prescribed for protection against coronary disease ranges from 400 to 800 IU per day. If you have any questions as to what you need and if you're aren't sure, consult with your doctor. Let's discuss now those Superstar Nutrients.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid benefits include not just antioxidant capability, but it also helps the B vitamins produce more energy from proteins, carbs, and fats. This is one of the unknown yet very capable vitamins for seniors you should know about. Studies also show alpha-lipoic acid supplements help prevent complications from diabetes but it also helps in the treatment of many diversified health issues including, glaucoma, even liver problems cirrhosis -- HIV infection. It helps slow aging-- something of interest to all, including seniors.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is another popular memory enhancer that finds its way in a myriad of memory supplements or memory pills. As with Gingko Biloba, the authors can personally testify as to its efficacy. Due to its capability to enhance memory and as a nerve tonic, among other capabilities, Gotu Kola has been called "food for the brain." Interestingly enough, Gotu Kola is a favorite food among elephants perhaps explaining the saying, "A memory like an elephant."
Gingko Biloba
A Vitamins for Seniors web page wouldn't be complete without mention of Ginkgo Biloba. Gingko Biloba comes from a tree species that is literally one of the oldest trees on earth. This powerful antioxidant helps improve circulation, fights coronary disease, and helps improve and correct brain-centered activity by improving oxygen levels in the brain. It even helps in eliminating impotence and in lessening the effects of Alzheimer's disease. For good effect, take 30 to 60 mg twice a day.
Green Tea Extract
Green Tea possesses powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that studies suggest are even more potent than vitamins C and E to destroy cancer-causing free radicals. This is one of the most potent vitamins for seniors or foods in the world, in our opinion. Among its many therapeutic benefits, Green Tea has also been shown to have very promising results regarding preventing prostate cancer. A study conducted by the respected Mayo Clinic found that "the main polyphenol in Green Tea, which is EGCG, inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells and in high concentrations destroys them." Its affects don't apply only to men. In a study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology July 1996, a study of 35,000 post-menopausal Iowa women showed that those "who drank two or ore cups of tea daily were less likely to develop cancers of the urinary or digestive tract." Look for 25 to 100 mg of green tea extract for best effect.
L-Carnosine
Carnosine is an active antioxidant antiaging substance that is produced by the body by the enzyme carnosine synthetase. It supports cellular rejuvenation by working on both glycosylation and free radical damage. Glycosylation is the oxidation of proteins by glucose (blood sugar) that results in the cross linking of proteins that are in turn implicated in the loss of cell function, genome integrity and aging. Look for a supplement that has 50 to 150 mg of it for optimum effect.
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-Acetylcysteine has shown the ability in clinical studies to actually improve the autoimmune system while simultaneously preventing cellular damage and thus aging. It also is a potent protector to environmental toxins like secondhand cigarette smoke, herbicides, even some chemicals. It is a powerful oxidant when taken at the 35 to 150 mg recommended level.
Resveratrol
Found in red wine and grape juice (among other sources), Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that studies have shown eliminates free radical damage linked to many cancers. It also has robust anti-inflammatory properties. Regarding its anti-cancer capability, it actually combats cancer at all three steps: initiation, promotion, and progression.
Resveratrol also possesses remarkable cholesterol lowering ability. Its antioxidant properties also has the ability to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Lastly, look for a supplement that has 25 to 40 mgs of it for best effect.
Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?Key-Vitamins-For-Seniors-You-Need-To-Know-About-Now&id=827022
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Importance of Vitamins and Aging
03/02/11 10:24
There has been recent evidence that as one ages one needs different dietary and dietary supplements. This should not come as a surprise - we are not the same when we age as when we were once young. As we age, we tend to eat less (but that does not mean we won't gain weight - but, that's another topic). Eating less and the changes in our digestive system and skin all have effects on our vitamin levels. It had been estimated that almost one-third of elderly people have deficiencies in vitamins and important minerals.
What Changes Elderly Needs for Vitamins As mentioned above, older citizens tend to eat less and less balanced meals. This is a major cause for possible vitamin depletion. Also many medicines that one takes can change the absorption of vitamins. Some people develop gastritis or bowel changes that also adversely affect the absorption of vitamins. Vitamin D is dependent on exposure to sunshine (not a problem for most of us at Seabrook) and in someone is not out in the sun and coupled with the changes to everyone's skin as we age, sufficient vitamin D may not be made. For this reason the daily requirement for vitamin D is greater in elderly than younger people. Even people who take vitamin supplements may take the pill at night or in the morning without food, and most of the vitamins require fat in our diet to help get optimal absorption. The point here, is take your supplement with your biggest meal of the day.
Some Problems with Vitamin Deficiency Vitamin D is necessary for the health of our bones. If we have insufficient levels of vitamin D this can lead to brittle bones. It is important to also take a supplement of calcium to maintain bone density and help prevent osteoporosis in patients who are developing this with age. Vitamin B--12 is important in maintaining mental function. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in lean red meat, chicken and skim milk. Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are required for homocysteine metabolism and have been shown to reduce heart disease if ingested in appropriate concentrations. The antioxidants potentially reduce the incidence of several chronic illnesses. The point is that vitamins are important in maintaining our health.
Original article: http://www.muschealth.com/healthyaging/vitamins.htm
What Changes Elderly Needs for Vitamins As mentioned above, older citizens tend to eat less and less balanced meals. This is a major cause for possible vitamin depletion. Also many medicines that one takes can change the absorption of vitamins. Some people develop gastritis or bowel changes that also adversely affect the absorption of vitamins. Vitamin D is dependent on exposure to sunshine (not a problem for most of us at Seabrook) and in someone is not out in the sun and coupled with the changes to everyone's skin as we age, sufficient vitamin D may not be made. For this reason the daily requirement for vitamin D is greater in elderly than younger people. Even people who take vitamin supplements may take the pill at night or in the morning without food, and most of the vitamins require fat in our diet to help get optimal absorption. The point here, is take your supplement with your biggest meal of the day.
Some Problems with Vitamin Deficiency Vitamin D is necessary for the health of our bones. If we have insufficient levels of vitamin D this can lead to brittle bones. It is important to also take a supplement of calcium to maintain bone density and help prevent osteoporosis in patients who are developing this with age. Vitamin B--12 is important in maintaining mental function. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in lean red meat, chicken and skim milk. Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are required for homocysteine metabolism and have been shown to reduce heart disease if ingested in appropriate concentrations. The antioxidants potentially reduce the incidence of several chronic illnesses. The point is that vitamins are important in maintaining our health.
Original article: http://www.muschealth.com/healthyaging/vitamins.htm