How Important Are Dietary Supplements For Seniors?
July 17, 2019
As you grow older, maintaining good health and practicing healthy habits take greater priority. One significant step seniors might take is using dietary supplements — which are just that: supplements to a healthy diet. That said, there are certain nutrients seniors often lack. Replenishing these substances might result in significantly improved health.
The Vitamin B Complex
There are numerous important Vitamin B variations that medical and nutritional professionals deem vital to optimal health as you age.
Vitamin B12
This nutrient, critical to the development of red blood cells and proper nerve function, is found in abundance in fish, eggs, poultry, meat and milk. Because seniors have greater difficulty absorbing it than in their younger years, health professionals recommend also using B12-laden supplements.
Vitamin B6
This substance, found in bread, meat, eggs, vegetables, grain products and soy products, plays a critical role in the synthesis of various nutrients, as well as the creation of red blood cells and nerve cells. Unfortunately, Vitamin B6 is not produced inside the body, meaning that if you are over the age of 50, you need to increase your intake of this substance.
Calcium
After age 50, calcium is more difficult to metabolize, especially for post-menopausal women. This nutrient, abundant in milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream, is important in maintaining strong bones. Those who lack it stand a greater risk of developing painful, potentially debilitating injuries like fractures.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, produced by the body following exposure to sunlight, enables you to better absorb calcium. Seniors who are not exposed to sufficient sunlight, whether because of mobility issues, other health problems or because they are limited by the use of a prescription medication, are strongly encouraged to ingest preparations containing Vitamin D.
ALCAR
ALCAR, an acronym for Acetyl-L-Carnitine, is found in fish, meat, legumes, milk products, produce, poultry and soy products. It is known for its ability to strengthen an important cellular component called the mitochondria, which may prevent the onset of age-related fatigue and cognitive problems.
Omega-4 Fatty Acids
As you grow older, your susceptibility to illness grows, often because of an increased systemic accumulation of cell, tissue and organ-damaging inflammation. Omega-fatty acids, typically found in fish (especially salmon), a variety of essential oils and walnuts, are thought to prevent or reduce inflammation, which could in turn reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening ailments like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and various kinds of cancer.