As we age, disease worms its way into our lives. Arthritis, cardiovascular problems, longer-lasting colds, even cancer—they seem to sneak up on us at a certain age, doing their best to ruin the quality of our lives, just when we should be enjoying a bountiful retirement. In the past, people accepted this as one of the evils of growing old; in other words, that age beget disease. Today, we know that this is not true, and that many of the health problems traditionally associated with aging have more to do with the immune system than aging. Beta carotene has long been known to be an immune booster, and recent studies support this contention. Beta carotene may be particular helpful for the immune system of the elderly. According to Richard Passwater, Ph.D., in his book, Beta Carotene and Other Carotenoids, beta carotene supplementation has been shown to enhance some, but not all, aspects of cell-mediated immunity in healthy older men. Harvard Medical School released research that indicates that beta carotene can sharply reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men with low beta carotene blood levels. In this research, the diets, lifestyles, and health of more than 22,000 male doctors were observed. Half of the doctors were given 50 mg (80,000 IU) of beta carotene every other day. The findings indicated that physicians with low levels of beta carotene were one-third more likely to develop prostate cancer. The doctors who supplemented with beta carotene were 36 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ate few beta carotene-rich fruits and vegetables and did not take beta carotene supplements. The link between cancer and beta carotene is also mentioned in more recent research. An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studies reveal that people with high intakes of beta carotene or high blood concentrations of this nutrient have a reduced risk of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. The authors note that this is a credible hypothesis, because 1) Increased consumption of beta carotene is strongly associated with reduced risk of cancer; 2) Beta Carotene is a dietary antioxidant and antioxidants inhibit early stages of carcinogenesis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another problem linked to aging, and it occurs when the immune system turns on itself. This results in inflammation, which in turn triggers the release of chemicals into the joint lining. This in turn results in joint damage that makes it hard to manipulate areas such as the knuckles and knees. Arthritis experts have known for years that free radicals (harmful renegade molecules) are present in the fluid of the joint lining, and that they increase in joints inflamed by RA. Related research has shown that patients with RA have lower blood levels of beta carotene than patients without RA. Read more about Beta Carotene. More Health Articles *Reprinted with permission from AIM International. All articles and information on this website are for educational purposes only. They are not to be regarded or relied upon as medical advice. The articles and information have not been evaluated by the FDA. AIM products are not intended to cure, treat, heal, mitigate, or prevent a disease or illness. Results may vary per person. Consult your health practitioner if you have health problems.    Independent Distributor's of AIM International. Natural Products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent any disease or illness. Results may vary per person. All articles and information on this website are for educational purposes only. They are not to be regarded or relied upon as medical advice. Consult your health practitioner if you have health problems.