The Facts About Vitamin And Mineral Supplements For Seniors

A healthy diet is important at any age because it provides the body with the nutrients it needs to maintain sound physical and mental health. In most cases, a well-balanced diet is all that most people need to supply their bodies with all the vitamins and minerals it requires. Once you reach your senior years, this is not always the case. Changes in the way your body metabolizes food can cause nutritional deficiencies that can put your health at risk.
Many older adults with dietary concerns purchase over-the-counter multi-vitamin and mineral supplements to counteract the nutritional deficiencies associated with aging. Unfortunately, this is not always the best approach to dealing with the problem. Multi-vitamins and supplements can boost your energy and provide the nutrients your body needs to thrive, but it can also interfere with some medications which is why you should always consult your primary care practitioner first before trying vitamins and mineral supplements.
Dietary supplements can add nutrients you need to stay healthy and feel good, but only if done responsibly. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or a registered dietician about your nutritional concerns so you can learn more about the types and amounts of dietary supplements your body requires.
The following is a summary of the most common vitamin and mineral supplements that senior typically require for good health maintenance:
• Vitamin B12. This is an essential vitamin at any age because it promotes healthy red blood cells and nerve functions. As you age, changes to your stomach lining can diminish its ability to absorb this vitamin so it is important to ask your doctor if B12 supplements would be beneficial.
• Vitamin D and Calcium. Vitamin D helps to reinforce your body’s immune system and it enables your body to absorb calcium which is essential for good bone health. Most people today suffer from Vitamin D deficiency so having a proper level either through diet or supplement is strongly recommended.
• Magnesium. Magnesium keeps your muscles and nerves healthy, and it enables your body to balance blood sugars. You can get magnesium naturally from whole grains, green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds or from supplements if your diet lacks this important mineral.
• Potassium. Potassium promotes a healthy heart, kidneys, and nervous system. A lack of potassium can lead to high blood pressure and kidney stones. Bananas, meat, poultry, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes are excellent natural sources of potassium.
• Vitamin B6. Maintaining a correct level of this vitamin is important to the health of older adults, but about one-third of men and one-quarter of women over the age of 65 have a vitamin B6 deficiency that can lead to anemia, mouth cracks, depression, and a compromised immune system. Fortunately, vitamin B6 is found in many common foods including salmon, chicken breast, potatoes, rice, spinach, and other popular meal options. Having too much of this vitamin in your system can cause health issues, so it is important to know how much your body lacks before trying supplements.
Many older adults today fall prey to mass marketing sales pitches that promise better health through dietary additives such as antioxidants and herbal supplements. Despite their claims, there is currently no medical proof they will prevent diseases or render a longer life span. It is important to note that the Federal Drug Administration does not have authority over dietary supplements which means just because you can buy the supplements at your drug store, there is no guarantee they can do what the manufacturers infer or promise.
No matter what your age, the best way to become and stay healthy is through a well-balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding excessive use of alcohol, and by having regular health checkups. Making smart lifestyle choices is the best way to live a longer, healthier life.