Khaberni - Maintaining women's health at various life stages heavily depends on obtaining a balanced set of vitamins, according to medical studies which emphasized that a healthy diet remains the best source, while supplements are used to fill any deficiency when needed.
As age progresses, the body undergoes a series of changes, including external ones (such as wrinkles, gray hair, and liver spots) and internal ones (such as decreased concentration, weakened memory, and reduced grip strength), and some of these changes might accompany shifts in nutritional needs.
This change typically happens in women during the stages of pre-menopause and menopause, where several factors such as decreased estrogen levels, gradual decline in muscle mass, cessation of menstruation, along with increased rates of bone erosion, bring about new transformations in the body.
Dr. Rachel Bisa-Pollak, an endocrinologist at Langone Health Center at New York University and a clinical professor at Grossman School of Medicine, stated in SELF magazine that these combined factors significantly impact the nature of this stage.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, play a pivotal role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, and may contribute to strengthening the immune system and slowing down some signs of aging.
The B-vitamin group, especially B6, B12, and folic acid, are essential for energy production and supporting brain functions, in addition to their role in forming red blood cells and preventing anemia, which are crucial especially for women of childbearing age.
Vitamin D emerges as a vital element that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, contributing to maintaining bone strength and preventing osteoporosis, especially with advancing age, while Vitamin K works alongside calcium to enhance bone health and regulate the blood clotting process.
Additional Elements
Women's needs are not limited to these vitamins alone, as medical sources point to the importance of additional elements such as iron, which women need in larger amounts due to blood loss during menstruation, as well as calcium and magnesium to support bone and muscle health, especially after the age of forty.
Recent health reports also indicate that the body's needs for certain elements, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D, may increase with age due to decreased absorption capabilities or limited exposure to sunlight, making some women more prone to their deficiency.
Despite the potential benefits of dietary supplements, nutrition experts stress that reliance on them should be cautious, as excessive intake of some vitamins can cause negative health effects, whereas a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains remains the safer and more effective choice.
