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The Importance of Vitamin B in the Aging Process

In their quest for the fountain of youth, many people seek out “magical” potions, lotions and creams. One of the best options to combat the aging process is the many natural vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B. The B vitamin complex --including vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12-- is known for slowing the effects of aging on the body.

The B vitamin complex helps to structure everything that the body does. B complex vitamins are necessary for the body to make and regenerate DNA. In addition, vitamin B also has stimulants necessary for the prevention of premature aging.

Vitamins B6 and B12, along with others in the b vitamin complex, are used by the body to manufacture red blood cells and keep nerve cells healthy, both of which are important in slowing the aging process.

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that can be found naturally in fish, dairy and meat. Foods with vitamin B include;

• liver
• turkey
• tuna
• oats
• potatoes
• bananas
• legumes
• molasses
• chili peppers
• avocados

The body can store up to several years supply of vitamin B12, but as the years go on, this store becomes depleted. For this reason, the elderly and the aging whose diets tend to change are at the greatest risk of vitamin B deficiencies.

Studies have shown that adequate vitamin B12 intake can reduce a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia that afflicts the elderly. Low vitamin B12 levels have been associated with brain atrophy in elderly people.

Vitamin B also helps the body fight off the signs of aging on the skin. Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, has been shown to reduce the facial signs of aging. It has been known for a while that vitamin B3 can reduce age spots and red blotches.

Recently, there have been studies which concluded that vitamin B, including vitamin B3, applied topically can reduce other facial signs of aging, such as wrinkles, yellowing and loss of elasticity.

Other Functions of the B Vitamin Complex

B vitamin complex is also important in supporting a healthy metabolism. This is particularly important as people age and their metabolism slows down. The body becomes less efficient at burning calories for energy.

B vitamin complex supports an aging immune system, helps maintain healthy muscle and skin tone, and benefits the cell growth and division process, all of which are slowed and affected by aging. Adequate B vitamin complex can help the elderly fight off infections, and to stay healthy and active for many years.

For these reasons, it is very important that people moving into their golden years receive vitamin B screenings from their physicians. A simple blood-test can determine whether or not enough vitamin B is present in the body. If there is not, B vitamin complex can be obtained from a variety of multivitamins and dietary supplements. Just remember how important vitamin B is for healthy aging.

The previous article is on Why Teeth Yellow.

Other wiki resources:  cellular aging; obesity and age; aging enzyme; immune system and aging; collagen and skin