There are a large number of vitamins that have been proven to help reduce the risk of a wide variety of diseases. Alzheimer's, prostate cancer, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, anemia, and osteoporosis are just a few of the diseases that vitamins can help prevent. Aside from the disease preventive qualities of vitamins, the right amounts can also help you feel energized, improve your vision and strengthen your bones. This article will provide you with a few key vitamins that may just help you prevent some of the most common diseases.

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a serious disease where one's memory becomes impaired and the ability to learn new things or make rational decisions is hindered. Vitamin C and E have both been linked to the prevention of Alzheimer's as well as reducing the rate at which the disease progresses once present. Folic acid has also been linked to the prevention of Alzheimer's, but not real evidence has been revealed. Vitamin C is a common water-soluble vitamin found abundantly in oranges and kiwis and in adequate amounts in bananas, tomatoes, broccoli, blackberries, spinach, potatoes as well as a long list of other fruits and vegetables. Good sources of vitamin E include fortified cereals, apples, meat and poultry. However, if the onset of Alzheimer's has been detected, consult a doctor to see if a vitamin supplement regimen is right for you.

Anemia

One of the most common vitamin deficiencies is an iron deficiency anemia. A lack of iron in your diet can result in listlessness, loss of appetite or headaches. The fastest way to cure this type of anemia may be with iron supplements. However, your diet should be analyzed to fill in with iron rich foods so you can avoid becoming iron deficient in the future.

Heart Disease

There are four main vitamins that are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease, vitamin E, C, A and B3. E, A and B3 are all fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that they are store in your body's fat reserves. If you are taking or plan on taking any of these in large doses, it is important to consult a doctor as an overdose is possible and can be toxic to your body. Vitamin C on the other hand is water-soluble and any excess is excreted on a regular basis. These four vitamins are commonly found in multi vitamins that would give you the extra heart disease preventing dose you are looking for. However, they are all typically found in adequate amounts in a good balanced diet.

Cancer

A well-balanced healthy diet is the first thing to amend when trying to prevent cancer with proper vitamin intake. Artificial ingredients and carcinogenic foods such as charred burgers, mushrooms and overheated fried foods are all factors in the fight to prevent cancer. Once you cut out the undesirable foods, the next step is to figure out what cancer preventing vitamins you are lacking. Folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and vitamin E are all thought to be possible cancer preventing vitamins. Most of these vitamins can be found in a healthy well balanced diet that may include dark leafy green vegetables, oranges, beans and/or whole grains.