Share This Story!
When Diet Is Not Enough
Ideally, everyone would get all the recommended daily intakes of micronutrients from diet alone. However, as people get older, hormonal changes can make meeting those quotas increasingly tricky. In these cases, starting a supplement regimen can be beneficial to improving health and aging gracefully. Consider these supplements for seniors.
Brush up on your bone health
The two most crucial vitamins for maintaining bone strength are calcium and vitamin D. Particularly in women, accelerated bone loss can leave seniors susceptible to osteoporosis and bone fractures. Aim for at least 600IU of vitamin D and at least 1,000mg of calcium per day.
Know your B family
Cobalamin, or vitamin B12, is especially important for brain health. As people get older, even a slight deficiency of B12 can put a person at higher risk for dementia. While B12 can be found in some food sources, many people don’t get enough of the nutrient from diet alone. What’s more, the stomach acid that aids in B12 absorption begins to decline in a person’s 50s. All seniors should have B12 levels checked regularly and take a supplement if necessary.
Prioritize your gut health
Seniors are particularly susceptible to unhealthy gut bacteria. The result is that no matter how many right supplements a person takes, the body can’t absorb the nutrients. Seniors should consider taking a probiotic supplement to reintroduce good bacteria to the system. Additionally, yogurt, kefir, and kimchi are all excellent food sources of probiotics.
Choose the good fats
Omega-3 fatty acids offer a host of benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to boosted mood and increased memory. The fatty acid DHA is particularly crucial for brain health and memory retention. As people age, the brain doesn’t absorb DHA as well, making an extra supplement a priority. Additionally, adequate intake of fatty acids is linked to reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as well as a slowing of vision loss.
What about a multivitamin?
Multivitamins marketed to seniors often have higher percentages of vitamin D or vitamin B12, both of which are particularly important for aging adults. However, a multivitamin may not be necessary if a person is following a healthy diet and taking the specific supplements recommended by a doctor.
Choosing wisely
Before buying a new vitamin, make sure to double-check for any possible medication interactions or unwanted ingredients. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen. A healthcare provider can help guide seniors to make the right supplement choices.
