Human beings need ample amounts of nutrients to combat the negative issues associated with aging process. A healthy lifestyle rich in foods containing ample vitamins and minerals is one way to ensure healthy cardiovascular function and bone mass retention, according to Penn State researchers. Enter the need for multivitamins, which ensure enough nutrients are being consumed. The best multivitamins for seniors are those specially formulated to contain what seniors require.
Why the Need
The human body loses both bone and muscle mass throughout the aging process. Dietary macronutrients such as protein, fats and carbohydrates are all still vital, but micronutrients -- the lettered vitamins -- have certain tasks to perform that ensure macronutrients are correctly metabolized by the body. For seniors, vitamins enhance the internal processes that aid in digestion, the absorption of calcium and memory retention, three issues that, according to the authors of "Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies," are commensurate with the aging process.
The Best Nutrients
For vitamins, vitamins D and B are the most important, as these vitamins serve very specific roles in dealing with the aging process. Bone density is a major issue among many seniors. Vitamin D, available in fortified milk and other dairy products, helps calcify bones and teeth and stave off osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones brittle. Vitamin B, actually 12 individual vitamins that play key roles in metabolism and cardiovascular health, helps maintain healthy heart and brain function.
The Best Sources
Most doctors and dietitians agree that the best way to ensure a person consumes the right amounts of vitamins and minerals is to eat plenty of healthy foods, the fresher the better. This isn't always an option for some seniors, leading some to include taking multivitamins as part of their daily routines. Multivitamins contain large amounts of needed vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron and vitamins B and D. Look for multivitamin brands that contain at least 50 percent of the daily recommended allowance for these nutrients.
Toxicity
Those interested in adding multivitamins to their daily dietary regimens should first consult their physician or a registered dietitian, who will advise them on the best course of action to take. If you're eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins already, you may not need any supplementation. This is done to prevent toxicity, as too many multivitamins---above the one tablet a day dosage recommendation -- may result in negative consequences such as the malabsorption of other nutrients, as is the case with ingesting too much vitamin D, which also creates nausea and muscle weakness.
References
- "Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies, 10th Ed."; Francis Sizer Webb, Ellie Whitney & Francis Sienkiewicz Sizer; 2008
- Penn State Nutrition & Extension Partnership Project: Nutrition & Aging
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