So Why Are So Many Canadian Seniors Taking Multivitamins
Simple: because there is a large market, and many supplement companies promise things that are still unproven by science. Walk into any pharmacy and you will see vitamins and supplements directly marketed at the elderly.
In truth, seniors formula multivitamins and products that claim to be the best multivitamins for the elderly are actually just normal multivitamins with more vitamin D and B12.
Unless there is a serious lack of intake for certain vitamins, as determined by a doctor, older adults shouldnt need to take multivitamins. Minor changes in diet are generally enough to cover the dietary needs of the elderly.
Speaking to a doctor is the best way to determine if supplements are right for you and your loved one. While a prescription isnt needed for vitamins and multivitamins, its never a good idea to start taking them without first seeing a medical professional.
Are Multivitamins For Seniors Safe
As always, we recommend consulting with your medical professional before adding any vitamin or mineral supplement. This is especially important for individuals with medical conditions or those on prescription medicines, as these products have the potential to interact with medications. You should also advise your pharmacist when initiating a multivitamin/mineral regimen.
What Are Vitamins And Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that our bodies need to develop and function normally. They are often called micronutrients because your body needs only tiny amounts of them. Yet failing to get even those small quantities can virtually guarantee problems. Since your body produces only limited amounts of vitamins, youre dependent on diet and supplementation to meet your daily requirements.
There are two types of vitamins, water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored by the body. Since they are eliminated in urine, we require a daily supply in our diet. The water-soluble vitamins include the vitamin B-complex group, vitamin C, and vitamin A in its beta-carotene form. Fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in fat before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. Any excess of these vitamins is stored in the liver, and they are not needed every day.
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Are Dietary Supplements Safe
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration checks prescription medicines, such as antibiotics or blood pressure drugs, to make sure they are safe and do what they promise. The same is true for over-the-counter drugs such as pain and cold medicines. However, the FDA does not have authority over dietary supplements, which do not have to be approved by this agency for safety or efficacy before being sold to the public.
The federal government does not regularly test what is in dietary supplements, and companies are not required to share information about the safety of these products with the FDA before they sell them. So, just because a dietary supplement is on a store shelf, that does not mean it is safe, does what the label says it will, or contains what the label states.
If the FDA receives reports of possible problems with a supplement, it will issue warnings about the product. The FDA may also take supplements that are found to be unsafe off the market.
The Federal Trade Commission investigates reports of ads that might misrepresent what dietary supplements do. A few private groups, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, ConsumerLab.com, and the Natural Products Association, have their own seals of approval for dietary supplements. To earn such a seal, products must be made by following good manufacturing procedures, must contain what is listed on the label, and must not have harmful levels of ingredients that dont belong there, such as lead.
How To Choose Multivitamins
Before purchasing multivitamins, a person may consider the following factors:
- Cost: Some multivitamins are more expensive than others, and not all products contain the same number of supplements. Check the packaging carefully to ensure the best value for money.
- Vitamin and mineral content: Not all multivitamin products contain the same selection or amount of vitamins and minerals.
- Multivitamin form: Some multivitamins come in the form of capsule, tablet, or chewable gummy. People may wish to consider purchasing a multivitamin that is easier to swallow.
- Subscription services: Some companies may offer a subscription service, delivering a monthly supply of multivitamins directly to a persons home.
- Eco-friendly materials: Some companies use eco-friendly materials, such as 100% recycled bottles or biodegradable packaging.
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When Is The Best Time To Take Geriatric Pharmaton
The recommended amount of Geriatric Pharmaton is one capsule twice daily, preferably one right after the breakfast and one after the lunch. After two or three weeks, the dose should be reduced to one capsule daily after the breakfast. It is best to swallow Geriatric Pharmaton without chewing the capsule.
Garden Of Life Multivitamin For Men Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Mens Raw Whole Food Vitamin Supplement
This is a pack of 120 capsules that include vitamins and nutrients which are fundamental for senior men above the age of 50. This product remains one of the best multivitamins for seniors as it includes all the nutrients needed to support prostate health, heart health, and cholesterol level and even preserve memory.
Specific nutrients such as selenium, zinc, and vitamin B-complex play noticeable role in keeping good memory. You can age without losing memory, eyesight and energy by including these multivitamins in your daily diet.
These capsules can be used by vegetarians and health conscious people too because they are made from 23 organic fruits.
Pros:
- Gluten free, non GMO with no binders or fillers
- Contains enzymes and live probiotics for digestive assistance
Cons:
- May cause nausea for some
- Hard to swallow
- Recommended daily dosage is four pills
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Puritans Pride Abc Plus Senior Multivitamin
Starting off this list of the best multivitamins for over 50 seniors is this pack of 240 capsules made with a special formula beneficial for adults over the age of fifty. Each capsule contains vitamin C, D, E, folic acid, niacin and zinc among other ingredients. They are also iron-free to make sure that they are health positive and supportive for heart activity.
In addition to that, these dietary supplements contain over 100 multivitamins which fulfill the needs for nutrients in aging people. Along with a healthy diet, these capsules will fulfill any deficiencies in the body that make you weak. In short, Puritans Pride Multivitamins are a complete package for senior men and women.
Pros:
- Promotes strong bones and eye health for adults over 50
- Enhances immunity and speeds up recovery
Cons:
- Does not contain DV% of Vitamin A
- Not a significant source of calcium
What Are The Best Vitamins For Seniors
The most important thing, of course, is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if youre concerned about getting enough nutrients and potential interactions with medications you may be taking. They can help point you in the right direction about the vitamins for seniors that will address your specific needs. In general, its good to have some basic knowledge about what the different nutrients do, where we get them, and the problems they may pose.
Each vitamin is explained and outlined below, with information on why its important and what it might interact with, which is important for seniors on medications. Here are some of the best vitamins for seniors:
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements is also a resource for more details.
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The Free Radical Theory Of Aging
The Free Radical Theory of Aging proposed that damage to cellular mechanisms and tissues occurs because of damage resulting from oxidative stress on the organism due to free oxygen radicals. Endogenous oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA is thought to be a contributing factor in aging and the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and cataract formation.
There is a hypothesized effect, which relates to antioxidant vitamins and aging. Certain antioxidant compounds might scavenge these damaging free oxygen radicals and prevent cellular destruction and aging. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, often referred to as antioxidant vitamins, have been suggested to limit oxidative damage in humans and lower the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Is Vitamin E Good For Seniors
Today vitamin E is one of the most widely used supplements, taken regularly by nearly a quarter of adults ages 55 and over. Its popularity derives from studies over the years suggesting that vitamin Es antioxidant properties could help stave off common age-related ills, such as heart disease, cancer, and cataracts.
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The Pros And Cons Of Gummy And Chewable Vitamins For Adults Over 50
There are many Pros and Unfortunately Cons to taking a Chewable Vitamin in turn
- Pill Fatigue and Nausea Many adults and elderly persons find taking a pill revolting, and nauseating and may suffer from a Pill Fatigue condition which makes it impossible for them to swallow a Vitamin.
- Other Medications Scenarios usually take many medications for other health issues, and adding a large vitamin that tastes awful adds to this load. In this case, a Chewable tasty Vitamin could be a much-welcomed change.
- Swallowing Difficulties If you are like me, getting nervous with a tightened throat when trying to swallow large Vitamins, or have a condition affecting your swallowing, a chewable Vitamin can really help. Not to mention, have you seen the enormous size of most Vitamins today? That is enough to scare anyone.
- Sugar and Addatives There is, however, one con to Chewable Vitamins: the amount of sugar and flavorants they contain to give them their tasty flavors and fun colors. For persons who have Diabetes and similar conditions, this added sugar is very unhealthy and should be avoided. You can also opt for sugar-free Vitamins with fruit juice and sugar alternatives in the Chewable Vitamin range.
Best With Black Cohosh
Price: $Garden of Life is a popular supplement brand that can usually be found at your local grocery store. Garden of Life mykind Organics Women 40+ contains a variety of essential nutrients, including folate, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B12, and D3, which may be lacking in the diets of women over 50.This multivitamin also contains black cohosh, an herb that has shown promise in decreasing certain symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, when taken as a supplement (Garden of Life is certified organic, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan.
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Regular Exercise Increase Your Cerebral Blood Flow
Studies have shown again and again that regular exercise improves memory and helps maintain mental capacities.
One obvious advantage is that it increases blood flow to the brain. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach our brain cells.
In addition, exercise encourages the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
This not only improves mental clarity and function, but gives us a mood boost, and a more positive outlook on life.
There are 2 things I want to make note of here:
In order to see the benefits you want to enjoy, you need to get your heart pumping! Whole body activities are the best.
Motivation is also a key ingredient that most people overlook when committing to a new exercise regime.
They force themselves to go to the gym, even though theyre bored or hate it, and then after a few months they stop going.
If you like golf. Go golfing! If you like swimming, do it! And if you can join a group for your chosen activities, even better!
You might have days where youre feeling a bit lazy, but once your friends give you a call or knock on the door, you cant say no! You have to go!
Thats why motivation is so important to staying consistent with your routine. It can sabotage your efforts, or it can be your saving grace.
So in a nutshell, exercise improves our physical and mental health. It also helps prevent issues like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, brain fog, and depression.
Mega Men 50 Plus From Gnc
From the creator of GNC Mega Men Sport comes GNCs Mega Men 50 Plus One Daily Multivitamin. It provides key nutrients for mens health, heart, brain, and eye health, plus over 20 vitamins and minerals. The product also features essential ingredients for prostate health: Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Pumpkin Seed Meal and Lycopene, and Gingko Biloba Extract to support mental sharpness.
GNC provides 100% or more of the RDA of more than 15 vitamins and minerals.
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Best Multivitamin For Women Over 40
If you are a woman over 40 years, then you need vitamins such as ribose, calcium, and folium to deal with aging effects. The diet may suffer from low vitamin levels, especially if you are a working woman and you need to maintain that active lifestyle. The lifestyle may not be so easy and you may not be able to take balanced vitamins.
There are some products that are specialized for women who are above this age and they come with higher levels of minerals and vitamins that become hard to absorb as we age and could lead to bone issues or osteoporosis. You also need probiotics, fish oil, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
Benefits Of Calcium For Strong Bones
While calcium is not a vitamin, it is an important mineral and one of the nutrients essential to healthy living. If we deny our body calcium or do not get enough calcium, it begins to absorb it from our own skeleton, which can cause our bones to weaken and increase our risk of injury. Building up calcium levels can help build and maintain stronger bones, and it is also aids in the function of our hearts, muscles, and nervous system.
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Vitamins For Seniors: Top 5 Vitamins For Healthy Aging
As your loved one ages, it can be hard to determine when they need additional support through their diet. Knowing the most important vitamins for common health concerns such as bone density, immune system strength, metabolism, and more can help you protect your seniors health both now and in the future.
Its never too soon to start thinking about healthy aging and building nutritious habits, says Angel Planells, a dietitian who specializes in aging and gerontology and former president of the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Planells shares five vitamins for seniors and how to obtain them through natural, delicious sources that could help fight a variety of ailments, including memory disorders.
Consuming a wide variety of foods will improve your chances of getting all vitamins naturally through your diet, Planells says. If youre considering taking a vitamin or multivitamin, meet with a registered dietitian or your doctor first, he says, because there could be drug-nutrient interactions, medications, and competing factors that may increase or decrease your absorption.
Take advantage of these delicious sources of the five most important vitamins for healthy aging, with amounts listed per serving size according to the National Institutes of Health.
Should I Take A Dietary Supplement
Eating a variety of healthy foods is the best way to get the nutrients you need. However, some people may not get enough vitamins and minerals from their daily diet. When thats the case, their doctors may recommend a dietary supplement to provide missing nutrients.
If you are thinking about using dietary supplements:
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One A Day Proactive 65+ Multivitamin
Another one of the best multivitamins for seniors, this pack has 150 tablets that contain specially curated vitamins and nutrients for people above the age of 65. These dietary supplements contain key elements that support aging health such as Vitamin B6, B12, D, magnesium and other components that play an integral role in promoting health and preserving energy.
In addition, the special multivitamins formula is made to support blood pressure, heart health and bone health in 65+ senior men and women. It is recommended to take two tablets a day to gain the benefits of these vitamins.
As an added benefit, these are gluten free vitamins which do not contain any preservatives or artificial sweeteners which can cause potential health issues.
Pros:
What Is Zinc Good For
Zinc, a nutrient found throughout your body, helps your immune system and metabolism function. Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals.
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What Vitamins Do Seniors Need Most
The skins ability to synthesise vitamin D subsides with age, so older people can often benefit with taking a supplement containing around 10 micrograms daily.
Eating oily fish and fortified cereal can also help.
To help maintain bone health, calcium is important, and fibre is important for supporting digestion and regular bowel movements.
Getting enough potassium while also limiting salt can help maintain a normal blood pressure.
And as throughout life, but even more so as you age, it is important to avoid saturated and trans fats, and focus on the types of fats found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, fish, and avocados.
The Different Needs Of Senior Men And Women
As they age, older men tend to need a little less of certain food groups, such as proteins like lean meats, eggs, tofu and nuts.
It also becomes even more important to watch junk food consumption foods such as burgers, biscuits, fried food, and cordials, as it becomes even easier to gain weight.
Once men reach their seventies, they need less grains and slightly calcium.
Women absorb less calcium and may also start to struggle to tolerate dairy as they age.
If this is you, you can turn to dark leafy greens and orange juice, and you can also consider supplements.
Women may sit more and exercise less as they age, which can compound sarcopenia the loss of muscle mass.
Eating protein therefore becomes important in helping to reduce the impact of that muscle wasting.
Eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, soy, and quinoa are great options for older women who are vegetarian, for instance, and again, supplements can also help.
Ageing can also see women struggling to absorb as many nutrients from food. One of those is vitamin B12, which is important for formation of normal blood cells and nervous system function.
The recommended intake of vitamin B12 per day for women over 50 is 2.4 micrograms. This vitamin is also found in things like eggs and cereals, but you can consult a doctor or expert to see if additional supplements are indicated.
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