by Chloe McGrath
Some may have a Vitamin C deficiency, so this month we share why Vitamin C is important for the elders. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help support the immune system and fight off infections!
Seniors and Vitamin C
Vitamin C is something our body needs to stay healthy and can be found naturally in the foods we eat, so it is important to consume an adequate amount of Vitamin C. Fresh fruits and vegetables not only fight off things like the common cold, but also support bone health, so make sure you get an adequate amount. For our elderly family members, it is even more important to make sure they have enough Vitamin C to protect against deficiencies in the aging immune system. Vitamin C increases white blood cell production, which helps fight infections and diseases.
Living without Enough Vitamin C
What happens when you do not consume enough Vitamin C through your diet or have access to fresh fruit and veggies?
After 8 to 12 weeks (about 3 months) of insufficient intake, symptoms can include:
Feeling Tired
Irritability
Depression
Mood Swings
Feeling Sluggish
Pneumonia
Why Vitamin C is Important for Elders
Vitamin C deficiency is most often related to not consuming enough foods high in Vitamin C. Other contributing factors include smoking, drinking alcohol, and environmental contaminants.
The best way you can get Vitamin C is through fresh fruits and vegetables, so you can find a wide selection of produce that are high in Vitamin C concentration at your local grocery store. Veggies and fruits are a perfect source of Vitamin C, so keep the following list close when grocery shopping:
Potatoes
Spinach
Broccoli
Red Peppers
Kale
Fermented Cabbage
Grapefruits
Oranges
Lemons
Limes
Kiwi
Strawberries
One thing to think about is your food preparation. Vitamin C is water-soluble and heat sensitive, so for example, raw vegetables contain much more Vitamin C than if you were to boil or sauté them.
If you are having difficulties getting Vitamin C naturally in foods, you can contact your healthcare provider to discuss other options, such as supplements.
Assisting Hands Home Care Can Help
As we share why Vitamin C is important for elders, know that Assisting Hands Rockford is here to help, so our qualified team helps keep you or your loved one safe and happy at home. Our in-home care services can support your health and wellness by assisting with tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation and vitamin reminders, putting your loved one in good hands.
We can also encourage and remind them to take sips of water and orange juice throughout the day because as we age, we aren’t always able to remember to stay hydrated or may not be able to drink a whole glass at mealtime! We are prepared and dedicated to providing individualized services to people of all ages, in different situations. Schedule your free consultation with us today!
Sources
Cerullo, Giuseppe, et al. “The Long History of Vitamin C: From Prevention of the Common Cold to Potential Aid in the Treatment of Covid-19.” Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media S.A., 28 Oct. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7655735/.
S;, Chin KY;Ima-Nirwana. “Vitamin C and Bone Health: Evidence from Cell, Animal and Human Studies.” Current Drug Targets, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26343111/.
Rowe, Sam, and Anitra C Carr. “Global Vitamin C Status and Prevalence of Deficiency: A Cause for Concern?” Nutrients, MDPI, 6 July 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400810/.
Maxfield, Luke, and Jonathan Crane. “Vitamin C Deficiency – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” Vitamin C Deficiency, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/.
Doseděl, Martin, et al. “Vitamin C-Sources, Physiological Role, Kinetics, Deficiency, Use, Toxicity, and Determination.” Nutrients, MDPI, 13 Feb. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7918462/.
