A scientist identified 36 kinds of vitamins and nutrients that could add a few years to each person's life, according to the British Daily Mail.
"Eating too many vitamins and minerals prevents the disease and the risk of early death," Dr. Bruce Ames, of the research institute at Auckland Children's Hospital, was quoted as saying.
However, most people suffer from a lack of many nutrients, according to a doctor who confirmed that a balanced diet is very important for long-term health.
Amis said the research results confirmed what mothers always said to their children: "Eat your vegetables and fruits, and give up sugary soda and carbohydrates."
About 70 per cent of people in the United States are deficient in vitamin D, and up to 60 per cent lack vitamin E, Dr. Ames said.
Although vitamin D is important for healthy bones, heart and brain, vitamin E protects against skin and eye damage.
Dr. Ames reached this conclusion by evaluating the research he and his colleagues, as well as other scientists from around the world, conducted.
This finding is based on the theory that when a person lacks some vitamins and minerals, his body consumes his own stocks to ensure his survival.
For example, vitamin K deficiency may lead to a person's use of vitamin K in order to ensure proper blood clotting, rather than investing in heart health.
While the lack of "lengthening vitamins" may not expose someone to the risk of direct death, it may cause progressive damage, which is shown later.
Previous research suggests that more than 50 hereditary cases can be prevented by taking high-dose supplements.
While some nutrient deficiencies can be reversed once vitamins and minerals are taken in sufficient quantities, damage to DNA is always the result of this deficiency.
The newspaper reported 36 food items identified by the doctor Ames contribute to prolong life and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences:
Vitamin A
Protects against: blindness, some cancers, acne and osteoporosis.
They are found in: liver, fish oils, milk, eggs, and orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Protects from: Damage to nerves, muscles and heart
Found in: beef, liver, nuts, oats, oranges, eggs, seeds and peas.
Vitamin B 2 (riboflavin)
Protects against: cataracts, heart disease and migraines
It is found in: red meat, almonds, dairy products, eggs, fish and green leafy vegetables, such as turnips and spinach.
Vitamin B6
Protects against: heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's.
It is found in poultry, fish, bread, eggs and vegetables.
Vitamin B12
Protects against: Anemia.
Found in: Animal products including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, as well as cereals.
Biotin
Protects against: Multiple sclerosis
Available in: egg yolks, almonds, cauliflower, cheese, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and spinach.
Vitamin C
Protects against: heart disease, osteoporosis, amylliasis and scurvy.
Found in: All fruits and vegetables, especially cauliflower.
Choline
Protects against diseases of the liver, brain, muscles and damage of the nervous system.
Found in: liver, salmon, chickpeas, eggs and turkeys.
Vitamin E
Protects against skin, heart and eye infections.
Available in: vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.
Folic acid
Protects against: Spina bifida in neonates when taken early in pregnancy and some types of cancer and anemia.
Available in: green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, bread and fortified grains.
Niacin
Protects against: heart disease, brain damage and arthritis.
There are liver, chicken, tuna, turkey, salmon, anchovy, pork and beef.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenate)
Protects against hyperactivity and attention deficit, arthritis, allergies, hair loss, asthma and colitis.
It is found in: Mushrooms, fish, avocados, eggs, chicken, beef, pork, sunflower seeds.
Calcium
Protects against: bone damage, some cancers and diabetes.
In: Dairy, green leafy vegetables, soybeans, tofu and great fish, such as sardines and fortified products such as bread and soya drinks.
Chloride
Protects against: dangerous blood pressure levels and weak nerve signals
Available in: salt, seaweed, gador, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, olives.
chrome
Protects against: Diabetes
There are vegetables, whole grains, beef, poultry and dairy products.
Cobalt
Protects from: nerve damage
There are fish, nuts, grains and green leafy vegetables.
Copper
Protects from: Damage of nerve cells
Available in: oysters, whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, kidneys and liver.
iodine
Protects against: damaged bones and immune imbalance.
Available in: Seaweed, cod, dairy products, shrimp, tuna, eggs and peaches.
Iron
Protects against: Low oxygen levels in the body.
Found in: red meat, oysters, spinach, liver, lentils, pumpkin seeds, quinoa and turkeys.
Molybdenum
Protects against: esophageal cancer, liver disease, yeast infections and allergies.
Available in: peas, lentils, beans, nuts, soy, dairy products, eggs, whole grains.
Phosphorus
Protects against: Arthritis, osteoporosis and cognitive decline.
It is found in: milk, meat, beans, lentils and nuts.
Potassium
Protects from: stroke, osteoporosis and kidney stones.
There are sweet potatoes, yogurt and halibut.
Sodium
Protects against muscle and nerve damage.
Found in: salt, salt
