Older individuals with low levels of vitamin B12 seem to be at increased risk of having brain atrophy or shrinkage, new research suggests. Brain atrophy is associated with Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive function.

Just as when you were pregnant, it's important to eat well while you're breastfeeding, with plenty of wholesome fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and calcium-rich foods. Follow the recommendations charted in the revised Food Guide Pyramid and you'll be well on your way to giving both you and your baby a nutritious diet.

Regular exercise helps to increase energy expenditure, maintain lean body mass, improve functional capacity, reduce cardiovascular risk, and promote a sense of personal well-being. The activity can be any exercise that uses large muscle groups and is rhythmic. It should be consistent with individual interests and an activity that can become a permanent part of the lifestyle.

According to some estimates, as many as 85 percent of adults in long term care facilities and more than half of all seniors cared for at home suffer from undernutrition or malnutrition — low or dangerously low levels of protein and other nutrients. But a growing number of active, independent older adults also are malnourished, especially women who live alone, minorities and low-income seniors.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water soluble vitamin and destroyed by heat.Vitamin C is essential for the formation of normal collagen. Alterations in collagen formation are partly due to failure of incorporate hydroxyproline and praline.

Ascorbic acid has the following functions:

Vitamin B complex all are important constituents of enzymes. Because many of these enzymes are closely related functionally, lack of single factor can interrupt an entire chain of chemical processes, producing diverse clinical manifestations. Thiamine (Vit. B1), a water soluble vitamin forms the heat labile portion of the vit. B complex is an essential co-enzyme for metabolism of carbohydrates.

The effects of later-stage oral cancer treatments, by contrast, can be devastating. Some patients require full or partial removal of the tongue, teeth, gums or oral tissues.Among the risk factors of oral cancer are tobacco use, moderate or heavy alcohol use, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, lack of access to early screening and dental care, and poor oral hygiene.

Protein Supplements to Improve Health