Aug 22, 2011
Because of all the nutrition-related changes that occur with the aging process, adults 50 years of age and older may benefit from nutritional supplementation. According to the 2005 New Dietary Guidelines, adults often fall short of meeting their needs for certain nutrients.
A daily multivitamin/mineral supplement formulated for adults age 50+ can help fill in nutritional gaps in their diet. Moreover, adults 50+ frequently do not get enough of the essential vitamin B12. This is due to a decreased secretion of stomach acid and stomach enzymes. As a result, their ability to absorb naturally occurring vitamin B12 from foods is decreased. However, synthetic vitamin B12 found in fortified foods and supplements can still be absorbed. Therefore, a vitamin B12 supplement or a B-complex supplement is generally recommended.
Adults often get very little exposure to sunlight, a major source of vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for adults 50+ because vitamin D status diminishes with age. This is due to factors such as decreased dietary intake, decreased absorption, decreased sun exposure, and decreased synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Researchers have suggested that a higher amount of vitamin D (1,000 IU vitamin D/day) is necessary to meet the body’s need for this essential vitamin.
Calcium is critical for building healthy bones and maintaining bone mass as well. However, it is in short supply for everyone. For adults 50+, it is recommended to consume at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily. In addition, the risk of chronic diseases increases with age and antioxidants can help protect the heart, promote healthy immune function, and may help protect and enhance brain function as well.
Supplement Regimen for Adults 50+ :
• Multivitamin/mineral supplement
• B-complex
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C