As we age, our bodies experience various physical and metabolic changes that can affect our overall health. For many seniors, although a balanced diet is highly recommended, nutritional needs may not always be met from food alone. This is why supplements play an important role in maintaining the health of seniors. This article will explain why supplements are important for the elderly, the types of supplements that are recommended, and how to choose safe and effective supplements.
Why Do Seniors Need Supplements?
In old age, the body experiences a decrease in efficiency in absorbing and utilizing nutrients. Some of the main reasons why seniors should continue taking supplements include:
1. Decreased Nutrient Absorption
As we get older, our digestive system is no longer as efficient as when we were young. The production of stomach acid, which functions to digest food and absorb certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and calcium, tends to decrease in the elderly. As a result, many elderly people experience nutritional deficiencies even though they consume nutritious food.
2. Changes in Diet
Some seniors may lose their appetite due to changes in their sense of taste or health problems such as tooth problems or difficulty chewing. This can reduce the intake of calories and important nutrients from food. In this condition, supplements can help fill nutritional gaps that are not met by diet.
3. Special Health Conditions
As they age, seniors are more susceptible to health conditions such as osteoporosis, anemia, high blood pressure and heart disease. Some of these conditions require additional nutrition to aid recovery and maintain health. For example, calcium and vitamin D are very important for maintaining bone health in elderly people who are at risk of osteoporosis.
4. Decreased Immune System
Advanced age is often associated with decreased immune system function, which makes the body more susceptible to infection and disease. Supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc can help increase the body’s endurance and maintain health.
5. Fulfillment of Higher Daily Nutritional Needs
Certain nutritional requirements may increase with age. For example, the need for vitamin D and calcium tends to increase because the body is no longer able to produce vitamin D from sunlight as efficiently as when it was young, and the process of calcium absorption also decreases.
