If you are an elderly woman with a chronic disease, and if you are frail or homebound, you might benefit from a vitamin and mineral supplement to reduce your chances of nutritional risk. Nearly a third of elderly people have been found to be vitamin and mineral deficient, according to Cleveland Clinic. Nutritional deficiencies can be due to your body's inability to make or use nutrients optimally, your inability to eat well balanced meals, or interference from your medications.
Multi-vitamins and Minerals for the Health of Elderly Women
If you are a post menopausal woman, you are advised take a calcium and vitamin D supplement to help prevent osteoporosis, as published by a panel convened by the NIH Consensus Development Program. Calcium is best absorbed as calcium citrate or calcium carbonate. Calcium is better absorbed on a full stomach, in divided doses of no more than 500 mg at a time.
Antioxidants
If you are a non-smoking adult with early-stage macular degeneration, an eye condition that can cause blindness, the panel also encourages you to take antioxidants and zinc. Antioxidant substances include beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, vitamins A, vitamin C and vitamin E, according to Medline Plus.
Vitamin B-12
As you age, your stomach produces less acid. You need stomach acid to absorb vitamin B-12. If you are an elderly woman, you may benefit from a vitamin supplement that contains 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12, as stated in Texas Cooperative Extension.
How To Choose A Good Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement
You should seek a multivitamin and mineral supplement that provides 100 percent of the daily value for your age. (See References 4) You don't need megadoses which could be unhealthy. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, choose a multivitamin supplement without iron. It's best if you can find the initials USP on the supplement label. USP stands for United States Pharmacopeia, a non-profit organization that establishes standards to ensure quality medications and supplements. (See References 4) Avoid supplements that are time release or have herbs. (See References 4)
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