vitamin b deficiency

In a normal, healthy individual eating a diet rich in vitamin C, we might expect adequate levels of vitamin C for normal cell functions. Any condition that would decrease these levels, such as smoking or chronic diseases, would therefore result in a decline in cell function. Of particular interest to our laboratory is the observation that vitamin C levels appear to decline in the elderly. This has been observed not only in human plasma, but also in plasma and tissues in rats, our model system. Why do vitamin C levels decline with age? The most straightforward answer is that vitamin C uptake declines with age. In other words, our bodies don't have the same capacity to absorb vitamin C, so vitamin C levels in the plasma and tissues become lower. This has been supported by a recent meta-analysis, which showed that the elderly had much lower plasma vitamin C levels than younger adults following a given dose of vitamin C. This suggests that vitamin C absorption in the gut declines with age. Vitamin C absorption is

Take a multi. For insurance, take an ordinary multivitamin-and-mineral supplement like Centrum (or Centrum Silver) or a store-brand knock-off with the same ingredients.

Vitamin D is found in cheese, butter, margarine, cream, fish, oysters,and fortified milk and cereals.

Copper is utilized by most cells as a component of enzymes involved in energy production (cytochrome oxidase) and in the protection of cells from free radical damage (superoxide dismutase). Copper is also involved with an enzyme that strengthens connective tissue (lysyl oxidase) and in brain neurotransmitters (dopamine hydroxylase and peptidyl alpha amidating monoxygenase). One of the proteins, ceruloplasmin, transports copper as well as helps convert iron to a form that can be transported to other tissues. The average level of copper stored in the body is from 50 to 120 mg, with most of this in the liver. Excess dietary copper can also lead to high copper levels in the kidney. However, under normal situations, not much copper is excreted via the urine. Most copper is excreted via bile that is released into the gastrointestinal tract, with minimal copper reabsorbed by intestinal cells. The uptake of copper and elimination through the bile allows copper to be conserved and tightly regulated.

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, meaning that they dissolve in fat and are carried by fat molecules throughout the body. If we had no fat in our diets, we would be unable to absorb these vitamins and reap their benefits.