Do seniors need to take vitamins?
Unfortunately, it’s only natural for our body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients to become less efficient as we age. To complicate matters even further, the older we get, the more our bodies typically require the vital nutrients that work to keep us healthy and happy.
Though the usual way to ensure your body is getting the vitamins it needs to survive is to simply ensure you are eating a well-balanced diet, as we enter our 60s and 70s, this task can sometimes be quite a bit more difficult than it used to be.
Luckily, there are many heart health, cognitive enhancing supplements, and over-the-counter vitamins that seniors can take to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most essential vitamins for seniors.
3 Important Vitamins for Older Adults
Vitamin B6, B9, and B12
The B-group vitamins are among the most important when it comes to body function and health. There are many vitamins in the B-group, but for seniors, the most important are vitamins B6, B9, and B12.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is primarily responsible for the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are important chemicals that exist to help communication between brain cells, ensuring proper metabolism and immune response.
Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is necessary for brain function as well, and serves to help slow or prevent memory loss in people aged 60 or older.
Finally, Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) plays a vital role in regulating the body’s nervous and circulatory systems. Vitamin B12 is particularly difficult for seniors to absorb through diet alone, so extra attention must be paid to this nutrient.
Vitamin D
By now, practically everyone is familiar with the role that Vitamin D plays in keeping bones strong and healthy. This is especially important for seniors, because bone density is commonly reduced as we age.
Seniors often suffer from conditions like osteoporosis, which can make falls infinitely more dangerous for the elderly to endure. However, did you know that vitamin D also plays an essential role in preventing other conditions that commonly affect seniors? This is especially true of heart disease and diabetes, as well as arthritis and other forms of inflammation.
Magnesium
For some reason, Magnesium often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves when discussing vital vitamins for seniors, but the reality is, Magnesium is a required mineral that ensures the proper functioning of over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including normal nerve and muscle function, a healthy immune system, a steady heartbeat, and the adjustment of blood glucose levels.
Magnesium also has a hand in the production of energy and body proteins, which are also incredibly important for the elderly to maintain. Keeping Magnesium levels satisfactory can be a challenge, but it can also make the difference between a healthy metabolism and immune system and a weak one.
What can I do to ensure I’m getting the vitamins I need to stay healthy?
Vitamins are a natural part of life and health, and most supplements are usually safe to consume for seniors. Still, you should always be sure to consult your doctor before starting any supplements.
You may also be wondering if there are any resources available that can help seniors ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need to live a full, healthy, and happy life. Well, although it often comes as a surprise to many, there are some circumstances where your Medicare plan will partially cover costs associated with medically necessary dietary supplements.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may even include coverage for prescription medications, which can sometimes extend to prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements.
To learn more about your options when it comes to supplementing coverage under Medicare, feel free to speak to the licensed insurance agents and Medicare Advantage experts at MedicareInsurance.com today!