Older people with a high intake of vitamin C appear to have healthier skeletal muscle than those with lower intakes, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia in England. This is an important discovery because our natural loss of muscle mass begins in our forties and starts to accelerate after we pass the age of 65 years. The phenomenon is known as sarcopenia and is one of the main reasons why older people become increasingly fragile and susceptible to disease. The authors behind the study believe that it is particularly important for middle-aged and older people to get plenty of vitamin C from their diets or by taking supplements. As a bonus effect, vitamin C also protects against infections and cardiovascular diseases, which also typically affect seniors.

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- a typical problem that is seen with ageing, overweight, diabetes and other chronic diseases

Chronic low-grade inflammation has a negative effect on our health. It pummels the body with free radical damage to healthy cells and tissue. Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to ageing, overweight, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. In the case of infections, there is also a risk that the immune defense overreacts with hyperinflammation, which can turn out to be very problematic. Now, science has discovered that our gut flora also affects the immune system. Some gut bacteria have a pro-inflammatory effect, while others help fight inflammation. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory effect involves other mechanisms. Supplements of beneficial gut bacteria, better known as probiotics, and fish oil supplements help increase gut flora diversity. This is good for fighting inflammation, according to a new study published in Nutrients. Another thing to make sure of is to get enough vitamin D.

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A large Israeli population study of over 4.6 million people shows that lack of sunshine and vitamin D increases the risk of COVID-19 infections and new infection waves in the winter period. The study shows why seniors, those with chronic disease, overweight individuals, and certain ethnic groups such as orthodox male Jews and female Muslims are more vulnerable. The scientists recommend vitamin D supplementation throughout the winter period or even all year round for those who do not get enough sun exposure during the summer. You can also read about why face masks block the body’s vitamin D synthesis, why COVID-19 originates from bats, and other mysteries related to the spread of the infection.

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Vitamin C is important for bone density. A deficiency of the nutrient actually increases the risk of osteoporosis. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases often lack vitamin C and that adds even more to their risk. It is also a problem when normal, healthy people eat a vitamin C-deficient diet, and it becomes even more critical when people with chronic bowel diseases eat a diet with too little vitamin C. Vitamin C has a number of other functions in the body that are of importance to the immune system and the gut flora. Also, our genes for utilizing vitamin C play a role, according to a new study from Poznan University and Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland.

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The number of seniors in the world is growing steadily which means a surge in problems like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, overweight, diabetes, rheumatism, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. These diseases that have a widespread impact on human lives and are a burden to society are often linked to chronic inflammation. A group of scientists therefore decided to look closer at studies that have found a positive effect of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA on cognitive functioning, maintenance of muscle mass, and prevention and treatment of a host of serious diseases that are related to ageing. It is vital to start supplementing early and to take the right doses, according to the new review article published in Nutrients.

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Periodontal is the leading global cause of tooth loss. It is a problem to prevent and to treat this condition because large population groups are neither able to nor used to taking proper care of their teeth and because it is expensive to see a dentist. A group of Australian scientists have decided to take a closer look at vitamin C’s role in dental health and determine how important it is to get enough vitamin C from the diet and from supplements. Another substance is important for preventing periodontal disease. You can read more about that in the article.

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