The Pros And Cons Of Dietary Supplements For Seniors
Many people invest in dietary supplements, especially older adults, who may not get all the nutrients they need from their diet alone. While some supplements may be beneficial, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons before incorporating them into your routine.
What Are Dietary Supplements?
The body needs certain nutrients to function properly. You get these nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, through food. As you age, the types and amounts of nutrients needed can change, and it may grow more challenging to incorporate those new needs into your diet.
Dietary supplements are vitamins and minerals that people can take to supplement nutrients they’re not getting from their diet alone. Dietary supplements come in various forms, like pills, capsules, gummies, and powders. Popular dietary supplements among older adults include fiber mixes, collagen, calcium, and vitamins.
Dietary Supplements Pros
Dietary supplements are popular for a reason. For some individuals, there are real benefits to including supplements in your diet.
- It’s a good way to get nutrients if you can’t get what you need through meals alone. It’s common for people to experience dietary restrictions as they age, which can lead to a lack of nutrients. Some people have difficulty digesting dairy as they age, making it difficult to get enough calcium. Other people may have trouble getting iron from meats because it’s difficult to chew and swallow. Supplements are a great way to ensure you get the necessary nutrients, regardless of your dietary restrictions.
- There are many ways to take them. Swallowing pills and capsules aren’t for everyone. The great thing about dietary supplements is they come in many forms, like powders that you can stir into water or gummies that you can eat.
- You can get them delivered to your home. Many brands will deliver supplements directly to your house once you know what supplements you need. Some brands even offer a discount for recurring orders.
Dietary Supplement Cons
Before you start thinking about what dietary supplements to use, it is essential to note the potential downsides of using supplements.
- Endless options can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of dietary supplement brands, all offering similar results. To help narrow down your choices, look for third-party tested brands (you should see an icon on the label noting if it’s tested). You also want to ensure the ingredients list contains the vitamins and minerals the packaging claims to have.
- Not all supplements work for everyone. Everyone’s body is different, and everyone responds to supplements similarly. Before trying a brand, check reviews online to see how other customers feel about using the product.
- They may not mix well with medications. Some supplements may not mix well with prescription medications.
If you are taking prescriptions, or even if you aren’t, always talk to your doctor about what supplements are safe before taking them.
Are Dietary Supplements For Me?
The best way to understand if you need to incorporate dietary supplements into your routine is by talking to your primary care physician or a registered dietitian and asking for a nutritional blood test. These tests will let you and your doctor know if you’re deficient in any vitamins or minerals.
Before taking supplements, it’s essential to understand that some vitamins and supplements are harmful in high doses. Vitamins like A, D, E, and K can be toxic, which is why it is important to speak with a doctor or dietitian before starting a supplement.
Reaching Your Nutrition Goals With Visiting Angels
You should aim to get the majority of nutrients from your meals, but preparing and cooking meals may not be easy for every older adult. Visiting Angels caregivers can help you with kitchen assistance, ensuring you get plenty of healthy and nutritious ingredients in every meal.
Aside from kitchen help, caregivers can also provide medication reminders, personal grooming assistance, mobility, and transportation. Whatever nonmedical assistance you need to continue your independent lifestyle, Visiting Angels is here to help.
Learn more about our at-home care services or contact us with any questions.