Do Older Adults Need Vitamin and Mineral Supplements?
As we age, our appetite also ages. We tend to eat less affecting our vitamins and mineral intake. Other factors that can affect appetite and the inadequate uptake of vital nutrients are medical complications, certain disabilities, diabetes, changes in the digestive system.
A study done on elderly people to understand their vitamin and mineral intake found that two-thirds of the elderly patients admitted to a hospital are malnourished, resulting in low levels of vital nutrients.(T.Ahmed. 2010)
It is being enough studied that low levels of vitamins and minerals make you more prone to infection and illness. It is estimated that deaths due to infections are ten times more likely in the elderly.
Vitamins help your body to function properly; each vitamin plays a major role at the cellular level. There are 13 main vitamins – Vitamin A, D, E, K as a fat-soluble vitamin and Vitamin C and B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate) as water-soluble.
Vitamins help your heart run smoother, make your skin glow, control your blood pressure, keeps your nerves healthy, and provides enough energy.
Minerals, on the other hand also required for normal and smooth bodily functions. Some minerals, like iodine and fluoride, are only needed in very small quantities. Others, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are needed in larger amounts. Each mineral plays a major role in their own ways.
We cannot create vitamins and minerals ourselves and must come through from the food we eat.
Hence, it is important to meet our daily requirements. Most elderly may not even require the all in one multivitamin, but the specific ones. In case, you feel that you are not able to make the best food choices, it is always recommended to consult your dietician and go for the multivitamin supplement for a specific period of time.
GNC stays committed to help Indian consumers in better managing their health with a scientific approach towards Living Well. To help the Indian consumers to manage their lifestyle and related issues such as fatigue, stress, vitamin deficiencies, and cholesterol.
GNC offers its comprehensive range of products to ensure all needs are met, on the inside as well as the outside.
The team of Ph.D. researchers, nutrition scientists, and registered dietitians at GNC understand the unique health concerns and differences between aged men and women. They crafted multivitamin formulas based on the most up-to-date science with the best combination of nutrients to target these concerns so that you can be your best and LIVE WELL.
That’s why we created formulas GNC Mega Men 50+ and Ultra Mega Women 50+ that are right for your age, sex, and lifestyle. GNC multivitamins contain a scientifically formulated blend of 23 key nutrients, plus ingredients that may be helpful for your unique nutritional needs. So whether you’re hitting a new decade, diet or performance goal, there’s a GNC Mega Men® or Women’s Ultra Mega® multivitamin that’s right for you.