Vitamin E Prevents Physical Decline During Aging
Written By: Yale University School of Medicine
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Published - Jul 2, 2008
Older people with more adequate blood levels of vitamin E appear to experience less physical decline as they age. Recent research out of Yale University School of Medicine was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers measured vitamin E levels in people over the age of 65. They conducted their study over a three year period. Participants were tested periodically on their balance, how well they performed when they took a short walk, or stood up from a sitting position.
It was noted that the odds of declining in physical function were 1.6 times higher in people with low levels of vitamin E compared with people with higher levels.
Vitamin E has long been noted for its benefits as an antioxidant as well as its importance in the formation of red blood cells thereby preventing anemia.
Good dietary sources of vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, whole wheat, soy seeds, nuts, and olives. It is important to recognize that as we get older, vitamin E becomes increasingly more important for helping maintain good balance as well as muscle strength.