Like other age groups, people over 50 have unique needs from their multivitamin. The best multivitamins for mature adults contain little or no iron---due to an increased risk for iron overload---but extra vitamin B12 and vitamin D. As you age, your ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food declines, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition, seniors often do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight and food. Multivitamins should be affordable and certified by the United States Pharmacopeia which verifies the purity, quality and potency of dietary supplements.
Kirkland Signature Mature Multi 50+
Consumer Reports named Costco's Kirkland Signature Mature Multi 50+ vitamin/mineral supplement a "Top Pick." In addition to being USP-verified, this supplement is generally affordable, retailing for $10.99 for 400 pills, as of August 2010. They are available to non-Costco members, and can be purchased online for a small surcharge. In addition, they contain no iron; offer extra vitamin B12, which may be a problem nutrient for those over 50 years of age and are particularly high in vitamin D and calcium, important nutrients for maintaining strong, healthy bones. One tablet provides 1,000 IU of vitamin D and 220 mg of calcium.
Equate Mature Complete Multivitamin Silver
Equate Mature Complete Multivitamin Silver is a generic Wal-Mart vitamin/mineral supplement. This USP-verified dietary supplement is affordable; retailing for approximately $10.00 for 220 pills, as of August 2010. This product is iron-free, and contains over 25 mcg of vitamin B12, 500 IU of vitamin D and 2,500 IU of vitamin A, 40 percent in the form of beta-carotene. Seniors should limit vitamin A, in supplement form, to 4,000 IU or less, which should be obtained primarily from beta-carotene. Vitamin A, in retinol form may increase risk of hip fractures according to several research studies, including one published in the New England Journal of Medicine in January 2003. Like the Kirkland brand, the Equate Mature Complete Multivitamin Silver is high in calcium, offering 220 mg per tablet.
Centrum Silver
While somewhat more expensive than the other choices, Centrum Silver is a USP-verified multivitamin and mineral supplement for seniors. A 220 tablet supply retails for $18.00 to $20.00, as of August 2010. This iron-free vitamin also contains 25 mcg vitamin B12, 200 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D---important nutrients for this age group. One tablet provides only 2,500 IU vitamin A, 29 percent in the form of beta-carotene, appropriate for this age group; and limits vitamin K to 10 mcg. Tracy Olgeaty Gensler, M.S., R.D. recommends that individuals aged 50 and older limit the amount of vitamin K in supplements to 10 mcg. Many seniors take blood thinning medications, such as Coumadin, and because vitamin K supports blood clotting, it may interfere with this prescription medication.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements--Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet
- U.S. Pharmacopeia: The USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program
- Consumer Reports: Two Smart Picks
- Good Housekeeping: Choose the Best Multivitamin
- New England Journal of Medicine: Serum Retinol Levels and the Risk of Fracture
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