English philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon once said, “I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am”. Although he died pneumonia in 1626, he was 65 years old, which was quite an old age at the time!

During the 1600’s in England, to reach the age of 65 was quite uncommon, as the average life expectancy was only about 35 years of age. And more than one-third of the people born during that time did not survive their teenage years.

Thanks to modern medicine and advanced technology, today adults can expect to live a bit longer as the average life expectancy for North America and most of Europe averages about 80 years of age.

Old Age Does Not Guarantee Good Health

However just because you reach a milestone birthday does not guarantee that you will be free from diseases, especially if you fail to get the proper vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin deficiency is the number one reason why elderly people get sick and succumb to their health problems.

Since 1968 the U.S. Department of Agriculture has offered recommended daily allowances that outline how much of which types of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients human bodies need to stay healthy. The allowances are also low enough to prevent side effects from having large doses associated with some of these as well.

When you eat a wide range of foods then you are at lower risk for vitamin deficiency. But as you get older and you develop issues like heart problems, diabetes, and being unable to eat certain foods due to dental issues such as false teeth, it affects your diet.

These vitamins are some of the popular deficiencies, especially among older people in today’s society. Listed next to each one are some of the more frequent symptoms associated with each of them.

Vitamin A

Dry, cracked, or rough skin, poor night vision or dry mucus membranes around the eyes, problems tasting or smelling, hearing issues, decreased sweating, and slow healing wounds

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Weight loss due to poor appetite or upset stomach including nausea and vomiting, depression, and poor concentration

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Sore tongue and mouth, cracked lips, skin rashes, anemia, and painful, burning eyes

Vitamin B6

Convulsions that mimic an epileptic seizure, gastric upset, skin rashes, and anemia

Vitamin B12

Nerve damage, anemia, damage to the stomach lining (which could lead to stomach cancers), and symptoms that mask neurological or psychiatric problems

Vitamin C

Bleeding gums, nosebleeds, swollen and painful joints, muscle pains, skin rashes, and shortness of breath

Vitamin  D

The inability to absorb minerals which leads to poor bone health

Vitamin E

The inability to absorb fats the body needs for good health

Vitamin K

The inability for blood to clot properly

Glutathione

Cell damage, anemia due to red blood cell damage, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
While all of these deficiencies cause problems in the elderly, glutathione causes a bigger issue than most. According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared to younger people in the test elderly subjects had substantially lower glutathione levels.

This is important because glutathione is an antioxidant that fights free radicals which cause diseases like cancer. The article goes on to explain that dietary supplements with glutathione can fully restore levels previously lowered by oxidative stress and damage which is far more common in older humans than in younger people.

Getting the Right Amounts of Vitamins for Good Health

The best way to get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is through a healthy diet. But when your body (or perhaps just your taste buds) rejects the foods that contain the things you need for good health, then a supplement is in order.

When combined with the other vitamins and minerals in the list, as stated on the SynergiaGSH vitamin site, glutathione supplements can boost your immune system, decrease recovery times after sickness, and increase your strength and metabolism.

Of course you should never begin taking any medication, including vitamin supplements, or start a new diet without first consulting your doctor. If you are considering a new product print off a page from the website and take to your next appointment, or just pull it up on your iPad or smartphone!

By getting enough vitamins and minerals you won’t put the brakes on old age, but you will enjoy a healthier, less stressful life as you grow into your golden, post-retirement years.

Author Bio:

Canadian native Bill Lawrence grew up in Toronto and went on to receive his BSc in biochemistry from Simon Fraser University near Vancouver. After 12 years of working in the pharmaceutical industry where he saw companies create products that treat symptoms rather than health issues, he walked away from the industry.