I’ve been taking vitamins for decades

I’ve been taking vitamins for decades. How I got started may be more interesting than how long I’ve been taking them or even what they are! It was a totally improbable event in 1964 that got me started. I’m 92 now so it’s been 61 years. If they were bad for me, I’d probably know by now. I can’t really say they’ve been good for me either. I can say that I’m fit and healthy but I have no way of knowing if taking vitamins had anything to do with it. 

Mixing my one-a-day late morning protein drink after I’ve done my exercises.

The ‘event’ was a black-tie gala held on the balcony of a magical castle with a dance band and a grand piano overlooking the lights of a big city. We met a gorgeous lady with a movie star complexion who announced with a grand flourish that she had just returned from another trip to Italy. She had been to see her famous physician who had discovered the “fountain of youth”.

He had told her about certain vitamins called “antioxidants” that she must take. At that time, I don’t think many of us knew what an antioxidant was. I certainly didn’t. But the next day I bought vitamin E, vitamin D3, vitamin C and multivitamins and have been taking them every day since. That was supposed to be the “fountain of youth”!

The lady explained that the combination of these four vitamins provide a certain synergy and together with the important antioxidant feature became the famous doctor’s ‘fountain of youth’ prescription.

It’s only recently that I’ve learned something about them. The experts say a vitamin with antioxidant properties has the ability to repair good cells that have been damaged by free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that damage good cells by stealing tiny parts from them and over time the good cells become weak possibly leading to cancer, Alzheimer’s, and aging skin. This is a greatly simplified explanation of a complex subject but it’s the general idea.

If they were bad for me, I’d probably know by now. I can’t really say they’ve been good for me either. I can say that I’m fit and healthy but I have no way of knowing if taking vitamins had anything to do with it. 

A multivitamin provides the necessary vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and a powerful antioxidant that supports immune health.Vitamin D3 improves bone health, muscle function, boosts immunity, and helps maintain over all D levels. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant needed to maintain brain, eyes, skin, and red blood cell health and protects and moisturizes skin. I take the recommended amounts listed on the bottles.

I have since added fish oil that has anti-inflammatory properties and may help conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and possibly improve brain function. Three years ago, I began taking a protein supplement. Old people like me often need more protein to slow down the natural loss of muscle and bone mass. I noticed an improvement in my ability to do pushups about six weeks after I started taking it so I know for sure this one works.

Since 1964 most of my meals have been home cooked. Ingredients were mostly fresh. We very seldom ate out. I was also exercising regularly and during some of those years I ran in a few distance races. What I eat now is about the same but the quantity is far less and in recent years the protein is more fish and chicken, more vegetables and less carbs. I’m about the same weight and I adjust it by eating less or exercising more or the opposite.

I continue to exercise regularly and I always feel good when I’m done! A little is better than no exercise at all! It’s an essential activity for me, a habit, and I like it!