Vitamins That May Benefit Adults Age 50 and Older

Vitamins That May Benefit Adults Age 50 and Older

It’s important to eat healthy, stay active, and keep busy to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle. While this sounds easy enough, it can become increasingly more difficult as you age. Older adults can struggle to get proper nutrition and the right vitamins and minerals through diet alone. And staying active is another challenge all on its own. Although experts like the NIH’s National Institute on Aging recommend that seniors should get the majority of their vitamins and minerals from food, there are other ways to boost your nutrition. Taking vitamins or supplements may be a solution. 

Certain vitamins may be the answer to fulfilling your body’s nutritional needs. As your body changes once you reach age 50 and beyond, you may need an influx of different vitamins and minerals – and certain supplements may be a good choice for you.

Calcium

What This Vitamin Does

Calcium is a critical vitamin for older adults. It’s especially important for women age 50 and older. You can begin to lose bone mass as you get older – and as women age, a reduction in estrogen can make it more difficult to maintain that bone mass. Taking calcium supplements can potentially help fight bone loss and other bone conditions, like osteoporosis.

Benefits for Older Adults

  • Helps individuals who are vulnerable to bone loss.
  • Can build healthy bones.
  • May protect against other ailments, such as types of cancers and diabetes.

Popular Brands and Products

  • Kirkland Signature Calcium, 600mg – $8.99
  • Nature Made Calcium with Vitamin D3, 600mg – $15.49
  • Citracal Maximum Plus Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 – $17.99

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

What This Vitamin Does

Omega-3 fatty acids are a great nutrient for absolutely everyone. Typically found in healthy proteins like seafood, omega-3 fatty acids can offer potential benefits for your heart health. Omega-3 is said to help prevent irregular heartbeats, reduce plaque buildup in arteries, and keep blood sugar levels stable. Additionally, omega-3s can have benefits for older adults’ mood and memory, as this vitamin may be able to aid brain function and memory retention.

Benefits for Older Adults

Popular Brands and Products

  • Nordic Naturals Omega-3 – $17.95
  • Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil (MSC Certified) – $21.50
  • OmegaVia Fish Oil Ultra Concentrated Omega-3 – $27.89

Vitamin B12

What This Vitamin Does

Vitamin B12 might not be on your radar, but it’s an important nutrient for any older adult. A vitamin B12 deficiency can be very dangerous – research has found that a lack of this vitamin can increase your risk for dementia. Additionally, a proper dose of vitamin B12 in your diet can help protect your blood cells and nerve cells, and it may protect you against certain types of anemia.

Benefits for Older Adults

  • Protects against your risk for dementia.
  • Keeps nerve and blood cells healthy.
  • Can reduce the risk of certain types of anemia that lead to exhaustion.
  • Is a supplement that doctors can monitor in the bloodstream.

Popular Brands and Products

  • Vitafusion Extra Strength Vitamin B12 Gummies – $11.49
  • Nature’s Bounty Vitamin B12, 1000mcg – $17.99
  • Natrol Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve – $12.99

Vitamin D

What This Vitamin Does

Vitamin D is often paired with calcium, and the two are equally important nutrients for older adults. Vitamin D actually helps the body absorb calcium, so a deficiency of vitamin D can affect your ability to build and maintain strong bones. Research also suggests that vitamin D may be able to play a role in reducing chronic pain and protecting against heart disease and certain cancers.

Benefits for Older Adults

  • Helps the body properly absorb calcium.
  • May be able to reduce chronic pain.
  • May offer protection against heart disease and cancer.

Popular Brands and Products

  • Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 – $18.99
  • Naturewise Vitamin D3 – $10.99
  • Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Vitamin D3, 50mcg – $11.59

Vitamins and Supplements Can Help You Get the Nutrients You Need

While the best way to get important vitamins and minerals is from your regular diet, this can be a difficult task. As you get older and your nutritional needs change, you may wind up missing or lacking nutrients you very much need.

So, if you’re unsure if you’re getting the right amount of nutrients – and the proper nutrients you need for your age – make sure to talk with your doctor. It’s a good idea to consult with a medical professional before you start any kind of vitamin or supplement. 

Once you’re okay to begin taking vitamins, you can search online to find different brands and products. Make sure to compare each type of vitamin or supplement to ensure you’re getting the right dosage, good quality, and the right kind of nutrition.