Most healthy, active older adults can get the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. Men ages 51 to 70 need 1,000 milligrams a day, and women in that age range need 1200 milligrams a day. All adults over the age of 70 should also strive to consume 1200 milligrams per day. Dietary supplements can be beneficial at any age, but they can also have unwanted side effects, such as dangerous interactions with prescription drugs.
They might also not work at all. Along with calcium and vitamins D and B12, vitamin B6 is on the NIA list of nutrients that older adults sometimes need to increase. Vitamin B6 helps protect nerves and form red blood cells. Potatoes, bananas, and chicken are good sources.
Your doctor may do a blood test to check your level. The FDA doesn't approve supplements such as multivitamins, but there are independent organizations that set standards. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how to live as they age. The table below shows the full vitamin and mineral requirements for people over 70 years of age, as well as for adults of other ages.
Unfortunately, as we age, brain cells gradually lose their ability to absorb DHA, causing our minds to starve and compromising both brain function and memory retention. However, the FDA has no authority over dietary supplements, which do not have to be approved by this agency to determine their safety or effectiveness before being sold to the public. Multivitamins for the elderly are designed to fill dietary deficiencies by supplementing the vitamins and minerals the body needs to thrive. Men of any age should eat 3,400 milligrams a day and women of any age should eat 2,600 milligrams a day.
Some multivitamins can interfere with the medications you take, so talk to your doctor before trying a supplement.
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