When Should You Start Taking Vitamins and Supplements? A Guide for All Ages

As you age, your nutritional needs change. To ensure you get the vitamins and minerals you need, it's important to understand when to start taking supplements. For adults between 35 and 50 years old, the Department of Health recommends consuming folic acid and calcium. For children ages six months to five years, a supplement containing vitamins A, C and D is recommended.

This is because growing children may not get enough of these nutrients, especially those who don't follow a varied diet. While it's best to get your nutrients from food, taking a multivitamin at the recommended dose is safe for children, as long as they don't take any individual vitamin supplement that could cause an overdose of a particular vitamin. Regardless of your age or stage of life, remember that more isn't better when it comes to vitamins and minerals. The vitamins and minerals you may need depend on your age and overall health, so be sure to talk to someone with medical training before taking supplements.

Even if you're the healthiest person, you might want to consider adding age-specific vitamin and mineral supplements. Your nutritional needs depend on your age, so you may need to start taking vitamins as soon as possible. Since the risk of certain diseases increases with age, taking vitamins is essential to prevent them. And don't forget omega-3s either, since the risk of heart disease increases with age in men and women. Although many supplements should not be given to children, generally, children of any age can take vitamin supplements as long as they are formulated for their age group. However, as you age, if you're on a limited diet and don't get the vitamins and minerals you need from food, your doctor may recommend a supplement. It's important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to taking vitamins and supplements.

Everyone's nutritional needs are different depending on their age and overall health. That's why it's important to talk to a medical professional before starting any supplement regimen. By understanding when to start taking vitamins and supplements, you can ensure that you get the nutrients you need for optimal health throughout your life.