It is hard for us to get everything for our bodies to function as they should. An orange you buy in the grocery store today can have minimal vitamin C due to the impoverishment of soil by modern farming methods. In order for our bodies to function optimally, we need at least seventeen minerals and thirteen vitamins, in addition to protein, fiber, carbohydrates and the right fats. Most fruits and vegetables in the store travel long distances, so that vitamins deteriorate along the way. Unless you get your vegetables from mineral-rich soil that has been carefully fertilized with natural composts and manures for many years, you might be deficient in various minerals and vitamins.

If you take a good mult-vitamin and mineral supplement, you can get a good range of essential vitamins and minerals. Remember that supplements are just that they are supposed to supplement a balanced diet, no a replacement. A cheeseburger and fries plus a milkshake followed by a handful of vitamins will not lead to optimum health.

Dr. Leeâ??s 5 top antiaging supplements:

Vitamin C: a potent immune-boosting antioxidant that is absolutely essential for good health. Vitamin C quenches carcinogenic free radicals and protects DNA from being damaged. It also builds collagen and protects arteries from damage. Suggested dosage: 1-2grams*, spread throughout the day. High doses can cause loose stools. Vitamin C acids absorption of iron, consult a doctor first if you have condition in handling iron (ie. Hemochromatosis) Food consideration: citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, kiwi, berries.

Zinc deficiency is very common, especially in elderly. Look at your fingernails- if you have more than two small white spots in your fingertip part, you are likely to be zinc deficient. Zinc regulates normal cell death and tells the problem cells to commit suicide, which prevents them from dividing uncontrollably â?? an anticancer mechanism. Zinc also has the ability to rejuvenate the thymus gland, responsible for overseeing immune systems. Suggested dosage 10-30mg daily*. Use zinc gluconate for best absorption. High doses (>50mg) can interfere with other nutrient absorption. Food consideration: meat, poultry, garlic, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Glutathione: a potent antioxidant that regenerates immune cells. It is a crucial part of our liver detoxification pathways. It is found in most foods and is produced in our cells. People who are deficient are more likely to age prematurely, as free radicals are left unchecked. Suggested dosage: 50-100mg. Vitamin C boosts glutathione levels.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: a potent antioxidant. It is both water and fat soluble, so is able to protect both fatty and watery areas of the body and can regenerate both vitamin E and vitamin C. Alpha lipoic acid also boosts the bodyâ??s own production of glutathione. It lowers blood glucose and can useful for counteracting insulin resistance. It is made small amounts by the body. Suggested dosage: 100-300mg. Food consideration: dark leafy vegetables.

Coenzyme Q10: a powerful antiaging antioxidant, particularly with regards to its ability to boost heart health. It is one of the few antioxidants that can get inside the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells that are highly susceptible to free radical damage. Suggested dosage: 50-100mg.

*The suggested dosages are much higher than RDA (recommended daily allowance) as RDA levels are set to prevent serious deficiency diseases such as scurvy.