For most people, nutritional needs change as the years go by.
In particular, people who want to prevent illness, control inflammation, and reduce daily wear-and-tear may need to increase their intake of specific essential nutrients.
Having said that, it can be difficult to satisfy these increased nutritional needs from food alone. As a consequence, dietary supplements may be necessary to fill in the gaps.
Following are nine supplements to consider for better aging.
- Calcium and Vitamin D
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B12
- Probiotics
- Collagen
- CoQ10
- Iron
- Zinc
Calcium is essential for strong bones…especially as people age. And your body needs adequate levels of vitamin D for calcium to be absorbed.
Yet, most adults in the United States are calcium and vitamin D deficient. Lab testing can confirm where your levels are, so recommendations for calcium and vitamin D supplementation can be tailored to your needs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart and brain health. They also help to reduce inflammation.
And it’s easy to augment your omega-3 intake via supplementation. Just keep in mind that quality matters. Omega-3 supplements typically come from fish or krill oil, and low-quality ones can have a fishy smell and/or taste. Alternatively, high quality omega-3 supplements will have no taste or odor.
Magnesium is a multi-tasking mineral, involved in more than 300 processes within the body. These include muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone remodeling.
Most adults in the United States are magnesium deficient to some degree. Like vitamin C supplementation, your body will let you know if you’re overdoing magnesium supplementation in the form of diarrhea. If you develop diarrhea after starting a magnesium supplement, simply reduce your dose.
Your body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, to keep your nervous system healthy, and for energy production. Low B12 levels can cause fatigue, forgetfulness, and mood changes (among other things).
Meanwhile, many people will have an increasingly difficult time absorbing B12 through the digestive tract as they age, making sublingual drops or injections a more efficient way to supplement B12.
Probiotics contain the beneficial bacteria that are necessary to keep your gut healthy, with gut health being strongly correlated with having a healthy immune system, stable moods, and good overall health.
For those who are challenged with digestive issues, nutrient absorption, and immune system health, probiotic supplements can replenish what your gut may be lacking.
Collagen is the most abundant protein within the body. It is essential for healthy skin, joints, connective tissue, and bones.
As the body produces less collagen on its own with age, a collagen supplement can help to keep skin hydrated, reduce joint pain, and support bone health.
CoQ10 is an important antioxidant that helps your body’s cells to produce energy. It also protects cells from damage and supports heart health.
And yet, CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age. Taking a supplement can help to boost energy levels, support cardiovascular health, and improve overall vitality.
Your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen through your blood. Symptoms of low iron, also known as iron-deficiency anemia, include feeling tired, weak, and short of breath.
It’s important to know, however, that iron can be toxic if taken via supplement when it isn’t needed, or if too much is taken. Iron should not be taken via supplement unless lab levels have been checked, and a healthcare provider is recommending it.
Zinc is another multi-tasking mineral, essential for immune system function, protein synthesis, and DNA production. It also helps with wound healing.
A daily zinc supplement can help to support your overall health, especially if your diet lacks sufficient zinc.
A Changing Body…Changing Needs
Food is always the best way to get the nutrients your body needs. However, the hard reality is that most people struggle to get everything they need from food alone.
This only becomes more challenging as people age and the demand for these essential nutrients increases. This is where supplementation often becomes necessary for optimal health.
At Renew Youth, we can help with supplement recommendations in conjunction with your hormone therapy. Ready to get started? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.