Every man interested in improved or continued strong health should learn as much as possible about vitamins that will help support his healthy immune system and help slow the aging process. Like senior women, senior men have special vitamin intake requirements to address many of the health conditions and changes that they experience during this time of their lives.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an active antioxidant. Once it enters your body, this vitamin protects vitamins A and C, along with selenium and fat compounds from oxidation according to PreemptiveAgingInfo.com. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University cites Vitamin E's potential role in immune system strengthening and dementia, indicating that more research is necessary to establish a definitive link. Nevertheless, senior men should take at minimum 15 mg per day.
Calcium
Approximately 55 percent of men over the age of 20 do not take enough calcium, according to Spine-Health.com's Dr. Scott Boden. As you age, your bone density can begin to suffer much the same way it does for senior women, because your body strips calcium from your bones over time. To counter this phenomenon, if you are a man over 65 you should consume 1,500 mg of calcium per day. Unlike women, however, men must ensure they do not take much more than the recommended daily allowance. According to Healthcastle.com nutritionist Gloria Tsang, R.D., men who consume high levels of calcium are at an increased risk for prostate cancer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
While both men and women benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, men should stay away from vegetable omega-3 known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and stick with omega-3 that comes from fish sources. According to Healthcastle.com nutritionist Gloria Tsang, high ALA intake may increase the risk for prostate cancer. Until further research is complete, men should avoid taking ALA supplements like flaxseed oil pills.
