Can Vitamin Supplements Benefit Elderly Adults?
When it comes to vitamin supplements, family caregivers may be a little confused on whether their aging relatives need them or not.
Multivitamins are extremely popular, but too much of something can actually be harmful to elderly adults. On the other hand, many seniors don’t receive enough of certain vitamins and nutrients due to sluggish appetites, food allergies, and absorption issues.
Homecare in Herndon VA: Vitamin Supplements for Seniors
Certainly, the best way to clear up whether an aging relative should be taking vitamin supplements or not is to check with the person’s doctor. The doctor will be knowledgeable about their patient’s elderly care needs and can outline the best supplements to take. If the doctor approves, then vitamin supplements can boost an aging person’s overall health and wellness.
Supplements vs. Diet
There’s no doubt that elderly adults should strive to get their vitamins and nutrients from their diet. A healthy diet goes a long way toward promoting good health and overall wellness. Seniors with adequate vitamins and nutrients are more likely to resist illnesses. They also heal faster and lower their risk of certain diseases. However, it’s very difficult to rely strictly on diet, so supplements can bridge the gap within the body.
Seniors should only use vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended by their doctor. When used properly, supplements can boost health when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It’s important that seniors stick to the proper dosages because too much of something can cause harm to the body. Elderly adults should avoid vitamin supplements that are labeled with mega doses as those will most likely contain too much of what they need.
Common Vitamin Supplements for Elderly Adults
Nutrients and vitamins have different jobs to do once they enter the body. From boosting the immune system and maintaining the nervous system to building strong bones, there are definitely common vitamin supplements for elderly adults that can do a lot of good. Doctors can usually determine what types of supplements will benefit elderly patients and which ones they should stay away from.
Here are just a few common vitamins and nutrients for seniors:
- Vitamin B4: Essential to producing red blood cells
- Calcium: Necessary for strong teeth and bones
- Vitamin C: Boost the immune system and helps with healing wounds
- Iron: Needed for healthy red blood cells
- Chromium: Regulates blood sugar
- Vitamin D: Important for absorbing calcium
- Potassium: Helps heart, muscle, kidney and nerve functions
- Vitamin B12: Contributes to a healthy nervous system
Family caregivers need to remember that including vitamin supplements into an elderly care regimen doesn’t replace nutritious foods with a healthy diet. The supplements should merely support an elderly relative’s dietary needs. With the right combination, seniors can experience better health and wellness for many years to come.
Are you or a loved-one considering Homecare in Herndon, VA? Please call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. Contact: 703-273-8818
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Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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