Food sources of vitamin D include fortified milk and cereals. Look for it on food labels. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant sources of food. Most people who follow the guidelines of the Food Guide Pyramid consume enough vitamin C. Poor eating habits or smoking can contribute to low levels of vitamin C. A lack of vitamin C can cause bleeding gums, delay wound healing and contribute to low levels of iron. The most effective way to increase vitamin C is to eat citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, green peppers and berries.
Sodium is found naturally in foods such as milk, seafood and eggs.
Processed foods such as tomato juice, frozen dinners, canned soups, canned fruits and canned vegetables are high in added sodium. People with high blood pressure and certain types of heart disease may be advised by their physicians to reduce the amount of sodium in their diets. One and a half teaspoons of salt is equal to 3000 mg of sodium, so go lightly with the salt shaker. The ability to smell and taste may decline gradually with age. When the sense of smell becomes dulled, it affects the sense of taste and makes food less appetizing.