By: Brenda Williams
Submitted: 2009-04-07 23:39:11 | Word Count: 537
Vitamin E could well be the miracle vitamin for senior citizens. As we age the oxygenation of our cells decreases and oxidation increases. The increased oxidation causes the formation of certain substances called free radicals. Free radicals damage normal cell metabolism. Vitamin E is a natural anti oxidant that prevents the formation of free radicals. Vitamin E also increases the body s resistance to stress as it improves circulation, strengthens the heart, prevents oxidation and increases oxygenation of our tissues and cells. Although vitamin E is available in our foods, most nutritionists believe we do not get enough vitamin E from our diet and recommend a supplement.
Our cells are held together by an intercellular element called collagen. As we age, this element degenerates. However, vitamin C counteracts this deterioration and helps maintain cellular and collagen integrity. Vitamin C also protects against premature cell aging and the various stresses that threaten our health. The capillaries carry oxygen and nutritive substances to all of the cells in our body. When the capillary walls are very permeable, more oxygen can be transported to the cells. Vitamin A increases the permeability of the blood capillaries so vitamin A also helps improve cell oxygenation. Vitamin A is found in green, leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes and fish liver oils. The important B vitamin group contains over twenty different vitamins. However, some are more useful in combating the aging process. Vitamin B1 or Thiamine protects the heart and nervous system. Niacin, another member of the B group, protects us against heart attacks and strokes. Pantothenic acid increases cortisone production and helps our bodies combat infection. Vitamin B15 helps the body tolerate a lowered oxygen supply, important for people who live in an area of air pollution. Polluted air contains carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide makes it difficult for the lungs to absorb oxygen. Vitamin B15 fights the effects of carbon monoxide. Folic acid reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure. It does this by helping the blood vessels to relax and dilate properly. Folic acid also helps to keep our glands working effectively. Lecithin, a fat substance, is the primary component of the brain and nerve tissues. It is also an essential constituent of the endocrine glands. Lecithin has the ability to prevent heart disease caused by atherosclerosis as it destroys the cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Lecithin also contains important vitamins such as E, D, and K, B vitamins choline and inositol, and essential fatty acids.
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Another important vitamin is Vitamin P. Vitamin P is not as popular in the United States as the other vitamins mentioned above. However, Vitamin P has been studied extensively in Russia. Vitamin P or rutin is a bioflavonoid, a co vitamin of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. When taken together with vitamin C it increases the effects of vitamin C. But by itself, it strengthens the blood capillaries and regulates their permeability. `
It is important to remember however, that before trying any type of supplement, you should check with your health care provider. This is especially true if you are taking any type of medication. Although these supplements may have no side effects when taken alone, problems may arise if they are combined with other medications.
