Deficiencies in vitamins exist in about a third of the elderly, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Some medications taken by senior citizens can limit absorption of vitamins from food intake. Also, the elderly with chronic diseases; who are in financial crisis or who do not leave the home regularly often have a poor diet that does not provide adequate levels of vitamins. Using vitamins to supplement the diet helps senior citizens stay strong and healthy. Talk to your doctor to get information before starting to use vitamin supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important vitamin for you as you age as it is helpful to treat osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to weaken. It is also useful for treating bone pain, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. This vitamin is also used for senior citizens with kidney failure because it prevents the low calcium levels and bone loss that occurs with renal osteodystrophy. Vitamin D supplements are also often part of treatment for common health issues in senior citizens including diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rheumatoid and arthritis. Taking vitamin D regularly also lowers the rate of falls in senior citizens, which often cause serious injury.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps senior citizens maintain health. It is crucial to the health of the eyes and immune system. This vitamin will help your overall health stay strong during the aging process. It is also used for treatment of cancer, to prevent heart disease, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
B12 & Folate
Vitamin B-12 level if often low in elderly patients due to low amounts of stomach acid to help absorb the vitamin, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Ongoing treatment with vitamin B-12 will help you to maintain energy levels. Folate, another type of vitamin B, helps senior citizens avoid stroke, heart disease, breast cancer and colon cancer.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important vitamin for senior citizens. It works to limit development of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, glaucoma, arthritis and stroke, notes the U. S. National Library of Medicine. It also is an important vitamin that may help to impede the overall aging process.
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