Are you getting the vitamins and nutrients you need to support a healthy lifestyle as you age? According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, up to 90% of American seniors may be consuming a suboptimal diet.
Multivitamins for aging adults are designed to supplement your diet and ensure that you're getting enough of the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain good health. However, vitamins aren't a perfect solution.
What role should supplements for seniors play in a healthy diet? Read on as we share our top tips for choosing a multivitamin and meeting your nutritional needs.
A multivitamin is a single supplement that contains concentrated amounts of important vitamins and minerals. Some companies manufacture vitamins for older adults, which are designed to meet the unique needs of seniors.
The National Institute on Aging outlines the specific vitamins and minerals seniors need, including A, C, and all B vitamins. Quality multivitamins for aging adults should include all of these vitamins, as well as vital nutrients such as iron and magnesium.
When used properly, health supplements for elderly patients can provide many benefits. Let's take a closer look at why your doctor might recommend a multivitamin as part of your daily regimen.
As we mentioned earlier, many seniors are consuming a suboptimal diet. They may not have access to a wide variety of healthy foods or have disabilities that make cooking and eating difficult.
Taking a multivitamin can't take the place of foods like vegetables and whole grains. However, a multivitamin may help to fill nutritional gaps by providing a source of the vitamins and minerals you aren't getting from food.
What if you eat a diet rich in whole foods and make an effort to vary your fruits and vegetables each week? It's possible that you're still facing nutritional gaps due to decreased nutrient absorption.
According to Health.gov, some seniors may struggle to absorb vitamin B12 due to age or medication interference. A multivitamin containing B12 may aid with absorption and ensure that you're getting enough of this essential vitamin.
We still have a lot to learn about the role that health supplements for the elderly can and should play. However, there is growing evidence that multivitamins can support positive health outcomes.
For example, a study published by the National Institutes of Health found that a daily multivitamin may support improved memory.
There are a few things seniors should know before they start taking a multivitamin. Let's take a look at the potential drawbacks of taking a multivitamin, particularly without consulting your doctor first.
Many seniors assume that because multivitamins are available over the counter, they're safe for everyone to take. This may not be the case if you take prescription medications.
Multivitamins can affect the way you absorb or metabolize certain medications. In other words, they may change the way your medication functions in your body. It's important to avoid taking anything that could make your medication less effective.
Believe it or not, you can go overboard on certain vitamins and minerals. According to Mount Sinai, it's possible to take too much:
Excessive intake of a specific vitamin or mineral can impact your organ function. For example, taking too much iron can strain your liver and even cause liver failure. In less serious cases, excessive nutrient intake can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
Most (but not all) prescription drugs receive FDA approval before they're made available in the US. That means they've undergone rigorous testing to determine their best usage.
Multivitamins are considered health supplements. The FDA does not regulate health supplements. Any specific claims made by a multivitamin manufacturer are not necessarily supported by research.
What are the best ways to meet your nutritional needs? Here are our top tips for seniors looking to improve their health through both diet and supplements.
Adding a multivitamin for seniors to your daily regimen can be a benefit to your health. However, it's important to avoid the drawbacks we've mentioned above.
Before you start taking a multivitamin, talk to your doctor. Discuss any medications you're prescribed to ensure that a multivitamin won't interfere with their efficacy. Ask if your doctor has any recommendations for specific brands or when and how to take multivitamins.
Multivitamins can fill nutritional gaps, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't aim to eat a balanced diet. Chef-prepared meals are one of the many amenities here at Addington Place of Mount Pleasant, and our seniors enjoy:
You're bound to see a bigger positive impact on your health when you pair your multivitamin with a diet rich in whole foods.
Each time you add something new to your medication schedule, it can become harder to stay on track. For example, you may struggle to remember which medications you've already taken.
Assisted living residents have access to professional personal care, and that includes medication management. Let our staff members help you monitor your medication schedule so you never forget a prescription or supplement.
Is it time to add multivitamins for aging adults to your daily regimen? If so, use this guide to make informed decisions and be aware of what multivitamins can and can't do. Always include your healthcare team in your decisions, even when starting an over-the-counter supplement.
Did you know that you can find senior living that pairs daily personal care with robust activities? Addington Place of Mount Pleasant is the perfect choice for Iowa seniors who are looking for more support and more fun. Our unique amenities include on-campus dining, scheduled events, fitness programs, and more.
Schedule a tour to find out why Addington Place of Mount Pleasant is an Iowa favorite.