According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a healthy diet is the best way to receive proper nutrition and the recommended vitamins for seniors and younger people alike. Seniors, however, often have inadequate nutrition for a variety of reasons, ranging from the side effects of certain medications to trouble chewing and swallowing. Frailty and lack of energy also may restrict seniors from preparing nutritious meals. While caregivers should make an effort to provide the recommended vitamins for seniors through balanced meals, there are supplements that are especially important and can help to increase the quality of life for aging adults.
B Vitamins
The National Institutes of Health reports that seniors are at a higher risk of developing low vitamin B levels that can lead to coronary heart disease. In addition to vitamin B supplements, researchers recommend that seniors should look for vitamin B supplements that also contain thiamin and folate for maximum health. Low levels of folate, thiamin and vitamin B can lead to anemia and cognitive impairment, while taking vitamin B supplements, particularly those containing vitamin B-12, can help to prevent these conditions.
Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D can affect the bones' abilities to absorb calcium, report doctors at the Cleveland Clinic. Postmenopausal women and the elderly are especially prone to reduced vitamin D levels. Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin because of its availability from sunlight exposure, also contributes to healthy cell growth, immunity and reduction of inflammation. Vitamin D can help to prevent cancer cells from dividing, decrease the instances of heart attacks and strokes, reduce arthritis pain and preserve memory and thinking in seniors. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that elderly patients take up to 600 IU of vitamin D daily, while research reveals supplements of 1,000 to 2,000 IU for the elderly may be the best recourse to avoid many of the diseases associated with aging.
Calcium
Preventing falls is a major concern for healthcare providers of older patients. Osteoporosis is a major contributor to bone fractures and can be prevented with calcium vitamin supplements in addition to weight-bearing exercises and lifestyle changes, report researchers at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Colorado. Fractures in seniors, especially hip fractures, contribute greatly to the quality of life and mortality of seniors. Statistics show that more than half of seniors who have had a hip fracture do not return to their normal level of activity. Three to 5 percent of seniors die in the hospital following a hip fracture, and 20 to 40 percent die within 1 year.
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