According to the National Institute on Aging, people over 50 years old are more likely to be deficient in vitamin B-12, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B-6 than younger adults. Although 20 minutes of daily sunshine can increase your body's production of vitamin D, you must eat adequate amounts of dairy products, spinach and oily fish such as sardines and salmon to meet your daily calcium needs. Because the average senior citizen is frequently deficient in vitamin B-12, your doctor might recommend a daily supplement.
Establishing Need for Supplements
Although it is always preferable to get your nutrients from a healthy diet, if your doctor has given you a clean bill of health -- but you are not feeling up to par -- you might benefit from a vitamin and mineral supplement program. If you think you might be deficient in specific vitamins or minerals, you should ask your doctor or a registered dietitian to examine your diet and recommend a supplement program that matches your nutritional requirements.
Importance of Quality
Although it is wise to comparison-shop for your vitamins and minerals, you should avoid buying inexpensive supplements from unknown suppliers. Many manufacturers include fillers and other chemicals that might cause an allergic response or worse, and others fail to meet the minimum standards for the content, safety and efficacy of their products. Always err on the side of safety and only buy products marketed by a well-known manufacturer.
Doses and Formulations
Most vitamins and minerals are available in pill, capsule, liquid and sublingual, or under the tongue, form.
Other Considerations
As of 2011, the Food and Drug Administration does not have authority over dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals and herbal products. While the majority of Americans take supplemental nutrients, side effects are rare. Still, high does of certain vitamins can be dangerous, says Vasillios Frankos, director of the FDA's Division of Dietary Supplements Programs. And many supplements can cause harm when taken in combination with some medicines. As with all self-care practices, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist, osteopathic doctor or other holistic physician before beginning a supplement program.
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