We all know the importance of taking vitamins as we age – but out of all the available choices, which ones should your elderly loved ones focus on?
Vitamins Impact on Senior Health
As we reach over 50, nutrients become more important to our well-being and overall health. Many medications that are prescribed to adults begin to deplete vitamins such as Magnesium, B1, Calcium, Vitamin K, CoQ10, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, Beta-Carotene and B12. With the loss of so many essential nutrients, try giving your loved on a daily multi-vitamin or add vitamin-rich foods into your diet.
More Is Not Always Better
As we age, it’s important to remember that “more isn’t always better” – Some vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Iron can be toxic when consumed in heavy doses. Be sure to speak to your doctor first about any effects they could have on your health.
Five Supplements Worth Taking
With all the vitamins available to us, it can be hard to choose the right one for you and your loved ones. Here are five recommended vitamins for optimal senior health.
- Calcium
- Calcium is essential for women to prevent bone loss which can lead to osteopenia. It is also important for men, who can also experience bone loss later in life. Try taking Vitamin D to maximize absorption, and also adding dark green leafy vegetables – like spinach and kale – to your everyday diet. It is recommended to take 1200 mg of Calcium daily through food and supplements, more than younger adults.
- Zinc
- Zinc is essential for enzymatic reactions throughout the body. It plays a critical role in immunity, wound healing and proper taste and smell. It can also ward off depression by helping neurotransmitters travel better to the brain. Zinc can also serve as a treatment for arthritis by reducing inflammation throughout the body.
- Magnesium
- Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can be a helpful treatment of type 2 diabetes. Many senior medications inhibit the absorption of magnesium, so it’s important to include magnesium rich foods, such as seeds, nuts, and whole grains into your diet.
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B12 helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells health. It also plays a vital role in preventing anemia and memory loss.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids: EPA and DHA
- Omega-3’s has been shown to reduce dry-eye symptoms, reduce the pain and complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis and reduce depression. Having low levels of DHA has been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, but very high levels of 800-900 mg per day have actually been shown to reverse memory loss and aid in verbal recognition, according to an article in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: A Journal by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Help at Home can provide around the clock care for your senior loved ones by providing a stable, positive environment for seniors living with Alzheimer’s, helping them to stay active, social, and stay healthy.
Located in Greenwich, CT, CT Help at Home is proud to be a top rated home health care provider in Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY, Manhattan, NY and beyond. Our clients are our family and we treat everyone with compassion and care. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your loved ones.