![]() A diet containing much of its calories as refined foods and sugar is deficient in V/M and leads to an unhealthy and shorter life. A varied and balanced diet could provide enough V/M for a healthier and longer life. Intakes of the marine omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are also remarkably low in the United States population an EAR has not been set ( 8). Using as reference the estimated average requirement (EAR) values, the following numbers are given as examples of the high percentages of the United States population ingesting V/M quantities below the EAR (including fortifications and supplements): vitamin D, 70% vitamin E, 60% magnesium, 45% calcium, 38% vitamin K, 35% vitamin A, 34% vitamin C, 25% zinc, 8% vitamin B6, 8% folate, 8% ( 7). Most of the world’s population-even in developed countries-consume many of the V/M at levels below those recommended ( 3, 4). Because nutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in the United States (and elsewhere), appropriate supplementation and/or an improved diet could reduce much of the consequent risk of chronic disease and premature aging. ![]() The evidence for classifying taurine as a conditional vitamin, and the following 10 compounds as putative longevity vitamins, is reviewed: the fungal antioxidant ergothioneine the bacterial metabolites pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and queuine and the plant antioxidant carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, α- and β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and the marine carotenoid astaxanthin. I also propose that nutrients required for the function of longevity proteins constitute a class of vitamins that are here named “longevity vitamins.” I suggest that many such nutrients play a dual role for both survival and longevity. Impairment of the function of longevity proteins results in an insidious acceleration of the risk of diseases associated with aging. As proposed by the triage theory, a modest deficiency of one of the nutrients/cofactors triggers a built-in rationing mechanism that favors the proteins needed for immediate survival and reproduction (survival proteins) while sacrificing those needed to protect against future damage (longevity proteins). It is proposed that proteins/enzymes be classified into two classes according to their essentiality for immediate survival/reproduction and their function in long-term health: that is, survival proteins versus longevity proteins.
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