It’s a well-known fact that regular consumption of vitamin C does wonders for our immune system. It helps you fight off viruses, common colds and several other health issues. But vitamin C does a lot more than protect us from everyday illnesses—especially when it comes to aging.

Here’s why a regular dosage of vitamin C is necessary for elders:

It Boosts the Immune System

As your body gets older, it’s needs extra help to protect itself from illnesses. The immune system gets weaker with age; it’s even worse for people who didn’t exercise regularly and had a poor lifestyle. Excessive drinking, smoking and a poor diet, all take a toll on your immune system.

Since the immune system gets weaker with age, it’s imperative that your elderly loved ones receive a dose of vitamin C with every other meal. Regular consumption of vitamin C will stimulate the production of white blood cells and fight off diseases and infections.

If they do happen to get ill, vitamin C can help them recover faster.

Prevents Oxidative Stress

Without healthy white blood cells, your immune system is compromised. Vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants that protect white blood cells and prevent damage caused by free radicals.

Being in an oxidative state also speeds up the aging process. In an oxidative state, your skin will develop fine lines and wrinkles. Your arteries are more likely to clog up as well when there’s a low level of antioxidants present in your body.

To prevent the buildup of oxidative stress, elders have to increase their intake of vitamin C.

Improve Cardiovascular Health

According to the CDC, 1 in every 4 individuals above the age of 65 dies of a heart attack every year in the US. No matter how well your elderly loved ones look after themselves during their lives, their chances of experiencing a heart attack grow exponentially in their later years.

Incorporating vitamin C into their diets can help relax their blood vessels and increase blood flow to the heart.

In addition to increasing the flow of blood around the body, vitamin C is also effective at reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.

Enhances the Absorption of Iron

After a certain age, absorbing iron becomes difficult for the human body, putting us as at risk of developing anemia along with other serious conditions. When the body becomes anemic, there’s an insufficient supply of oxygen in our blood, which in turn causes us to feel weak and fatigued all the time.

Elderly individuals with anemia and those that are susceptible to developing it, should make sure they pair their iron pills with vitamin C supplements as it helps with iron absorption.

As a family caregiver, you may not be aware of the physical changes your elders are experiencing. At AvantGarde Senior Living, our staff members are trained to look after your loved ones. We know what vitamins and minerals are necessary for their well-being. We serve healthy meals that are designed keeping in mind the needs of elders.

If you’re looking for a senior living community in Encino, contact us at (818) 881-0055 for more information.