Vitamins for Seniors

Older adults need to be sure that they are getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals for their changing needs. Eating right and exercising and help improve a senior’s immunity, reinforce aging bones, help keep mental sharpness and add to overall good health. Vitamins play an important role in the lives of healthy senior adults. Vitamins for seniors can be consumed in two ways: eating a vitamin-rich diet or supplements.

Vitamin-rich Diet

Ideally seniors vitamins would come from a healthy diet rich in a wide variety of nutrients. A broad array of vitamins necessary for senior health can be found in fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy. Eating a variety of these different foods everyday can help a senior maintain a strong body and sharp mind.

Eating a balanced diet does not have to be complicated. Simple, well-balanced meals are things like low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit for breakfast, a chicken and spinach wrap for lunch, and then a stew with lean meat, a variety vegetable and lentils for dinner. However, shopping and cooking can pose certain complications for seniors with health and mobility issues.

Supplements

While the vast majority of Americans get ample vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet, senior adults do not process nutrients as efficiently. Also, as the appetite and lifestyle of older adults changes, they often do not consume enough food to get the nutrients they need. Nutritional supplements can be an excellent source of the much needed vitamins for seniors.

Vitamin D is an important vitamin for seniors because it helps with the necessary absorption of calcium and helps with loss of bone density. Many seniors are lacking vitamin D from not enough sun exposure or dietary sources. A daily supplement should include both calcium and vitamin D.

Seniors should be aware that vitamins and prescription drug interactions can change the potency for either the vitamin or the drug. Always consult a doctor before adding nutrimental supplements to a diet. Senior vitamins need to be used at the right dosage so ask your doctor specific questions about the supplements you are taking.