Vitamins Needed for Women in Their 40's

Your 40s are a time of change for many women. Whether the mother to teenagers or perhaps a late mother to small children, women in their 40s are often dealing with the stress of balancing their chosen careers, children and quite possibly beginning that period of life know as perimenopause, a first big sign of aging. Whatever the circumstances, these added pressures on a woman's body take a toll. It is extremely important for a woman to maintain proper nourishment during this time in her life, and a diet high in some specific vitamins help maintain health and vitality.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is well known as the healing vitamin because it is essential for collagen production. As women enter their 40s, natural collagen production decreases and fine lines and wrinkles increase. Increased intake of vitamin C can help boost natural collagen production. Vitamin C also supports the adrenal glands and helps maintain the body's natural immune system.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and helps remove free radicals from our bodies. Vitamin E as a substitute for artificial estrogen and helps eliminate hot flashes and other physical discomforts often experienced during perimenopause and after menopause. Vitamin E helps maintain the appearance of healthy skin and hair.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for maintaining bone mass as a woman ages because it helps the body absorb calcium, essential to keep osteoporosis at bay. Adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium also slows weight gain associated with middle age. Vitamin D also causes the death of certain types of cancer cells.

Vitamin A

• Vitamin A helps prevent heavy menstrual bleeding and possible cervical cancer. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A helps prevent wrinkles by supplying necessary nutrients and moisture retention to skin cells. Vitamin A is also essential for healthy eyes, and a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to night blindness. A deficiency of vitamin A also causes increased susceptibility to infections as well as rough, dry skin.

B Vitamins

• The group of B vitamins is especially beneficial during perimenopause and after menopause. Some B vitamins may help prevent certain types of cervical cancer. B vitamins are essential for proper absorption of sugar and maintenance of adequate brain function. B vitamins help decrease stress, depression and fatigue. Because the group of B vitamins work in harmony with each other, it is essential that a supplement contain adequate amounts of all the B vitamins.