As we age, it becomes more difficult for our bodies to absorb crucial vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining optimal health.
Getting the sufficient amounts of nutrition from diet alone becomes a challenge as we age, so supplementation needs tend to increase. However, with so many products on the market, it can be hard to narrow in on what exactly you need.
ARE SUPPLEMENTS NEEDED AFTER 50?
If carefully measured, it is certainly possible for a healthy diet and lifestyle to provide us with all of the essential nutrients needed to stay healthy after 50.
However, the truth is that most people’s lives are simply too busy to consistently track their daily vitamin servings and most of us end up falling short.
As we get older, these gaps can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues much more rapidly.
Therefore, the short answer is that although each individual is different, certain supplements are generally recommended and shown to be very helpful in adults over 50.
HOW CAN A TARGETED MULTIVITAMIN HELP?
As we get older, stomach acid levels naturally begin to decrease, leaving us less able to metabolize key vitamins. This means that after 50, we will start to require greater amounts of certain vitamins in order to make up the difference.
In general, it’s also common for appetite to lessen as we age, for mobility issues to result in less time spent cooking, and for dental issues to sometimes prevent the consumption of harder, denser foods.
NUTRITION + SUPPLEMENTATION
Although a dietary supplement should never be a substitute for a nutritionally balanced diet, certain supplements (like an ‘Over 50’ multivitamin) can help fill in targeted nutritional gaps that may pose greater risks as we age.
HERE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT
VITAMINS TO CONSIDER AFTER 50
1. CALCIUM
Our bones naturally begin to weaken and become more susceptible to fractures with age. This is where calcium can help, by maintaining strong, healthy bones and preventing bone degeneration. Some examples of calcium-rich foods include dark leafy greens, dairy, fatty fish like sardines, sesame seeds, and broccoli.
Many studies suggest trying to rely on food sources for your calcium needs after 50, as some research shows calcium supplements may not be equally as effective and may cause gastrointestinal upset.
2. VITAMIN D
Produced by your body after sun exposure, as well as found in foods such as milk, egg yolks, and fatty fish, vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and can also help boost your defenses against certain age-related illnesses. It's believed that as little as 10 percent of women over age 50 get adequate amounts of vitamin D from diet alone.
This is why a quality vitamin D supplement can be especially helpful for filling in the gaps. Vitamin D deficiency can be common in the winter months, which makes it even more important to add a vitamin D supplement to your diet.
3. VITAMIN B-12
This B vitamin is essential for boosting energy and mood, as well as protecting against a certain type of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) that can leave you feeling exhausted and weak. This vitamin is crucial for keeping your nerves and blood cells healthy and also helps create DNA.
Vitamin B12 requires stomach acid in order to be properly absorbed by the body, which is produced in smaller and smaller amounts as we age.
4. VITAMIN B-6
This important "B Complex" vitamin also helps protect your nerves and is essential in the formation of your immune system's red blood cells. Vitamin B-6 is often considered to be one of the most important B vitamins for adults over 50, because it helps the body create several neurotransmitters and without it, B-12 cannot be absorbed.
Vitamin B-6 can be found in foods such as bananas, potatoes, and chicken. B vitamins are also a great source of added energy.
5. ALCAR (ACETYL-L-CARNITINE)
Some studies have found this supplement effective in preventing age-related cognitive decline and fatigue. It may help improve memory and mood and although naturally produced in the body, it is usually taken as a supplement.
In food, ALCAR can be found in some amount in poultry, milk, cheese, asparagus, wheat bread, and codfish.
6. VITAMIN C
Aging people need vitamin C to boost immunity. Vitamin C is also high in antioxidants which have been known to protect against oxidative damage that is involved with cognitive decline in aging adults.
Vitamin C-heavy foods include oranges, peppers, strawberries, and potatoes. Vitamin C is also great for the skin. It helps with elasticity and protection against harmful UV rays. Really, vitamin C is a go-to vitamin for many health concerns.
7. VITAMIN K
One of the lesser-known vitamins, vitamin K, is important for blood clotting. As we age, it takes longer for our wounds to mend, so if by increasing your intake of vitamin K, it may help wounds heal faster.
Vitamin K is also an essential nutrient for bone health. Along with calcium, vitamin K can help with bone density and strength. Recent data has shown that vitamin K deficiency is not uncommon in healthy adults.
Vitamin K is found primarily in leafy green vegetables, but it can also be found in chicken, butter, cheese, egg yolks, and fermented soybeans.
8. VITAMIN E
Another vitamin that may not be so familiar is vitamin E. Vitamin E is present in fat-containing foods such as nuts, oils, and leafy greens. Like vitamin K, vitamin E is also essential for blood clotting. In fact, vitamin K actually relies on vitamin E to function.
Like most vitamins and minerals, vitamin K is an antioxidant that is helpful to the immune system, as well. If you've ever wondered why almonds are considered a super healthy snack, you can thank vitamin E for that.
SUPPLEMENTS TO CONSIDER AFTER 50
Probiotics (diverse strain with addition of prebiotics)
Joint support formula (with natural inflammatory response support)
Collagen (to support cartilage, ligaments, hair, skin, nails, and more)
Omega-3 fatty acids also known as fish oil (for whole-body wellness support)
Multivitamin (to prevent nutritional deficiencies)
Immune booster (featuring C, D3, B6, zinc, and magnesium)
Green superfood powder (for concentrated superfood nutrition)
If you decide that taking a multivitamin or other supplements is right for you, feel free to reach out to us at our Facebook Tribe group. We would love to help guide you to the best multivitamins for women and men alike!
Of course, it’s always best to consult with your personal care physician a registered dietician before beginning a new supplement regimen since dietary supplements can sometimes interact with prescription medications required for certain existing conditions.
LOOKING FOR A NEW MULTIVITAMIN OR HEALTHY AGING SUPPLEMENT TO ADD TO YOUR ROUTINE? LEAVE YOUR QUESTIONS FOR US BELOW AND LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP!
AND REMEMBER...
IT'S ABOUT YOU. IT'S ABOUT YOUR HEALTH. IT'S ABOUT RECONNECTING.