Although the development of Alzheimer’s disease is complex, evidence suggests that vitamin deficiencies play a significant and often overlooked role. This is especially true for vitamin C, which supports neuronal health in multiple ways. Deficiencies in vitamin D, certain B vitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin E also play important roles through various mechanisms. A large meta-analysis comparing vitamin levels in Alzheimer’s patients and healthy individuals found that those with Alzheimer’s had significantly lower levels in the blood.

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for eye health and vision because they are involved in numerous metabolic processes and act as powerful antioxidants that protect the vulnerable eyes and optic nerve from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as magnesium, selenium, zinc, and copper increase the risk of dry eyes, cataracts, AMD, optic nerve damage, and other eye diseases. In addition, being overweight can be an additional risk factor for AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, according to a review published in Nutrients. The authors emphasize that early detection of deficiencies and targeted supplementation can prevent or slow the progression of many eye diseases.

There are several possible causes of male impotence, and the risk increases with age. Oxidative stress appears to play a role, as this condition contributes to local atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow to the penis. However, consuming a variety of antioxidants - such as selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as various carotenoids - may help reduce the risk of impotence, according to a U.S. population study published in Scientific Reports.

Strong bones require minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It is also known that vitamin D plays a role in calcium absorption, and deficiencies are common among the elderly. Furthermore, deficiencies in vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin K appear to be much more widespread among elderly patients with bone fractures compared to healthy control groups. This is highlighted in a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, where the researchers take a closer look at the importance of vitamins for bone health.

The condition of our skin means a lot to our appearance and health, and being deficient in one or several nutrients can cause premature skin ageing. Also, things like poor wound healing, acne, herpes infections, yeast infections, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders may occur. In a review article published in Medicina, scientists have looked at the role of vitamins A, C, E, D, and biotin plus omega-3 fatty acids in skin health. Studies suggest that selenium and zinc may also be important for healthy skin and anti-ageing. If you don’t get enough of these nutrients or if you simply have an increased need for them, you may consider taking a supplement.

Many skin disorders, such as acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and psoriasis, are linked to flaws in the skin’s natural barrier and an immune system that is either too weak or overreacts with chronic inflammation. The skin’s natural microflora may also be out of balance. In this context, various vitamins play important roles in supporting skin health due to their regenerative, immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties that help protect the skin against damage. In a new review article published in The Microbe, the authors explore how different vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D, and E) contribute to skin health, immune function, and the management of skin conditions.

In the case of wounds or skin lesions, an active form of vitamin A regulates how stem cells initiate healing processes and produce new skin. This was demonstrated in a study from Rockefeller University that is published in the journal Science. In the future, researchers plan to look closer at how active vitamin A can be used to regulate stem cells as a way of preventing and treating skin cancer.