The 6 Best Multivitamins For Older Adults
Your nutritional needs evolve as you age â your body will require higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals and lower amounts of others. That’s why the best multivitamin for older adults looks different than a daily vitamin a younger person might take.
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Here’s a look at recommended multivitamins for older adults, along with tips about what to look for in the vitamin aisle.
Our Picks
- âBest Overall:â Equate Complete Multivitamin 50+
- âBest for Men:â Member’s Mark Men 50+ Multivitamin
- âBest for Women:â Thorne Womenâs Multi 50+
- âBest for People Going Through Menopause:â Bayer One A Day Womenâs 50+
- âBest Women’s Gummy: âSmarty Pants Masters 50+ Multivitamin
- âBest Men’s Gummy: âSmarty Pants Menâs Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin
âA quick language note:â âWe understand that gender is a spectrum, but we use the terms “men” and “women” here to match the vitamin manufacturers’ language.
Centrum Silver Multivitamin For Men 50 Plus
Recommended by Amidor, Centrum Silver Multivitamins for Men 50 Plus contains vitamin D3, B vitamins and zinc, along with a host of other minerals to support full-body wellness. In addition to having a 5-star rating on Amazon, these vitamins are easy to swallow, notes Amidor, which is great news if you have a tough time with larger pills.
- Formulated to support eye, heart and brain health
- Can help improve muscle function
Best for Gut Sensitivity
Top Choices: Best Multivitamin For Seniors
No single brand of multivitamin will be the best multivitamin for seniors. In fact, some are marketed as senior-specific products, but really, you dont have to buy a multivitamin thats marketed toward seniors. Just read the ingredients to make sure it has all the important nutrients you want.
Otherwise, consider these top five picks as youre shopping for the right multivitamin. Its a great place to get started!
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The Worst Multivitamins For Seniors
1. Centrum Silver
The #1 Doctor recommended multivitamin makes my #1 for the worst multivitamin. Made by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, it brings in close to 1 billion in sales. Centrum uses synthetic vitamin E and potentially synthetic beta-carotene .
Synthetic versions of beta-carotene have been shown to increase the risk of cancer in heavy smokers and drinkers, and accelerated the death and shortened the life span of rats exposed to radiation. But the natural form of beta-carotene decreased the death rate and significantly increased the life span of exposed rats.
Synthetic vitamin E has been shown to have little or no anticancer effectiveness, and may even increase prostate cancer. Centrum uses the oxide form of magnesium, which only 4% is absorbed. The poor form of B6 , folate and B12 are also used.
Folic acid appears to be potentially problematic as I explained here. The formula is missing K2 and boron .
Centrum contains hydrogenated palm oil, a trans-fat highly correlated to heart disease, not to mention bushels of corn additives and all the horrible artificial colors including FD#C Blue #2, Yellow #6 and Red #40 found to disrupt mitochondrial function .
2. Mens One a Day and Womens One a Day 50+
Like B12, vitamin D synthesis goes down as we age. Along with the wrong calcium/magnesium ratio, this formula does not contain boron, inositol or K2.
3. Kirkland Adults 50+ Mature Multi
Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies In Seniors
Another thing to consider is why older adults have a particular need for vitamin and mineral supplementation. In fact, over 35 percent of all adults 65 and older have some deficiency, and many more have suboptimal levels of various vitamins and minerals. Some of the most common micronutrients that seniors are deficient in or have suboptimal levels of include:
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Will A Multivitamin/mineral Complement Profit Me
When you arent getting sufficient nutritional vitamins and minerals out of your weight-reduction plan, you probably have a medical situation or a vitamin deficiency, youll profit from a multivitamin and mineral. For these over 65, a multi is a wonderful choice to make sure you meet your really helpful each day allowances.
We take into account multivitamins a really cost-effective methodology to guard your self towards vitamin deficiencies.
What To Look For When Shopping For A Multivitamin
When shopping for a multivitamin, always talk to your healthcare provider first. He or she will help you determine whether you are getting the right amount of nutrients from your food and if a multivitamin is even necessary, often by doing a blood test.
They might have you avoid a multivitamin entirely and just supplement with single nutrients instead. Of course, a doctor will also be able to warn you if your multivitamin is interacting with any other medications you might be taking.
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How Often Should I Take Multivitamins
Most multivitamins are designed to be taken daily, though some may contain more than 100% of the DV for some nutrients. Therefore, if you already eat a nutrient-dense diet, taking them daily may lead to over-consuming certain vitamins and minerals (
Its important to discuss any new supplements with a healthcare professional before starting them.
The Vitamin And Nutritional Supplement Business
In a Statista.com survey conducted in 2018, approximately 70 percent of the U.S. population stated that they used dietary supplements. And within the dietary supplement world, vitamins and minerals are the most frequently consumed. The vitamin and nutritional supplement business has revenues exceeding $32 billion in 2019. Since 2007, household spending on nonprescription vitamins has nearly doubled from $46 to almost $80 annually.
Most respondents indicated that they take a multivitamin or a vitamin D supplement, but there are many others too of course. What was once an anomaly, taking supplements most definitely appears to be part of the norm today.
A lot of this has to do with the increased knowledge we have about proper nutrition and the role that nutrients play in not only preventing disease but optimizing health.
As we age, we become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, and, for many older adults, the essential nutrients we derive from a balanced diet alone may not be enough.
Other growing areas of focus include preventative health, particularly for older adults. And this includes a trend toward more age-specific products that help with memory loss, physical performance, brain health, muscle retention, skincare, and more.
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What Sorts Of Multivitamins Are There For Men And Women Over 50
We stock a range of multivitamins that are specially formulated for men and women in different age groups.
For example, we have Vitabiotics Wellman 70+ which includes zinc to help older men maintain their vision, and immune and cognitive functions.
There are also another 30 nutrients and special ingredients.
Just take one tablet a day with your main meal, and be sure to swallow it with a drink rather than chewing.
On the other hand, we have Vitabiotics Wellwoman 50+ which contains B6, iron, and pantothenic acid specifically designed to help reduce tiredness and fatigue in older women.
This product also contains zinc, vitamin C, and vitamins B6 and B12 to help support cognitive function and eye health.
As with the mens supplement, this should be taken once a day with the main meal.
Be Aware Of Your Iron Intake
At the same time that our bodies begin to require an extra boost in the aforementioned supplements, we start to need less of other minerals, such as iron. Normally, womens daily multivitamins contain a high dosage of iron to make up for the amount lost each month during menstruation. However, as we reach menopause, its recommended that we lower our iron intake. That extra dose of iron is not only no longer needed, it can become potentially harmful when taken in supplemental form.
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Why Should Women Of A Certain Age Take Multivitamins
Age 51 is the average age when women enter the menopause and the fatigue, night sweats, and hot flashes begin. Women have looked to many types of treatments to ease their symptoms, and many are now turning to daily multivitamin supplements. Some have ingredients that can alleviate symptoms and help with bodily changes that accompany menopause.
WebMD states that bone loss becomes a serious concern because hormone levels drop after the onset of menopause. Calcium is crucial. Women under 51 should take 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. Women 51 and older should consume 1,200 milligrams a day.
To better absorb the calcium, the body needs vitamin D. Find a multivitamin that contains at least 600 IU of vitamin D. Locating ginseng on the vitamin bottle label would be another plus because it is a natural mood booster.
Garden Of Life Multi Vitamin For Men
This vitamin supplement has probiotics. This multivitamin is specially formulated for men and it has prostate support. It is made using raw whole foods that are nutritious.
This vitamin has live probiotics as well as enzymes. It is then combined with antioxidants to offer vitality and health.
It has vitamin E, zinc, and selenium for purposes of prostate support. Vitamin C and E, as well as vitamin B complex are included to support the health of your heart. The thing that makes it one of the best for men is the fact that it supports prostate health, mental health, heart health, digestive support, eye health, healthy stress response and physical energy.
The vitamin is dairy free, gluten-free, and vegetarian. It is a whole food kind of multivitamin and this is something that allows it to stand out.
So as to allow this multivitamin to work and work well, it is important to begin the process with real food so that the formula is the best and will have all the benefits that they are supposed to have. Every ingredient used can be traced to its origin, meaning that it is a healthy treat and it is safe.
The product is clean and pure and is made with organic foods that do not involve any chemical fillers or binders.
This is a supplement that was created by first paying attention to mens special need and offering the best nutrients that will support prostate health. With the vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, all areas that are important in a mans body are addressed.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthlines brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per FDA regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to the CGMPs established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily
- Vitamins and minerals: folate, magnesium, boron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins B12, D3, E, and K
If youre looking for a vegan multivitamin, Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 50+ is worth considering.
Its formulated for postmenopausal women, containing folate, magnesium, boron, the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, and vitamins D3, E, K, and B12.
Boron is important for bone metabolism and may help improve bone health in women over 50, who are at higher risk for osteoporosis .
As a vegan supplement, Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 50+ derives its DHA from microalgae and its vitamin D3 from lichen.
Just keep in mind that this multivitamin isnt as comprehensive as others on this list and is designed for women who eat a balanced diet but could use help filling in nutrient gaps.
Ritual also makes its ingredients traceable, providing source information for each ingredient in its multivitamin.
Vitamin Certifications To Be Aware Of
- ConsumerLab: This certification is one of the highest testing standards and evaluations available. ConsumerLab certifications indicate that the product is high quality.
- NSF International: One of the most respected independent product testing organizations, an NSF International certification ensures the product meets public health and safety standards.
- Underwriter Laboratories: UL is one of the oldest third-party certification companies around. A UL certification shows that the manufacturer meets standards and the products are safe to use.
- U.S. Pharmacopeia: The USP is a nonprofit organization that creates standards for the quality and purity of dietary supplements.
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Xymogen Activnutrients Without Iron
This multivitamin, recommended by Dr. Dinetz, packs a comprehensive vitamin and mineral punch without added iron. While iron is critical for cell metabolism, men over 50 dont typically have the same deficiency risks as women, he says. Its also recently been discovered that genes relating to iron regulation are associated with lower longevity, he notes, which means excess iron intake could impact our health and lifespan as we age. The only drawback? This brand is not always easily ordered online and instead is more available in certain wellness pharmacies and practitioners offices.
- Contains almost 50% of the RDA for both zinc and potassium
Choosing A Multivitamin For Seniors
No single brand of multivitamin is best. Many have flashy labels and make strong claims to entice you to choosing one brand over another. Donât fall for marketing tricks. You donât even have to buy a multivitamin that is labeled âfor seniors.â Read the ingredient labels and consider your individual needs.
Safety concerns with multivitamins. The FDA does not approve supplements like multivitamins, but there are independent organizations that set standards. Look for a label approved by the USP or NSF . These independent groups ensure:
- There are no harmful ingredients, like arsenic or heavy metals.
- Vitamin amounts and daily values are correct.
Talk to your doctor. If youâre not sure that youâre getting enough nutrients from food, your doctor can help. They may suggest that you add specific foods into your diet. They may also tell you to take a supplement of a single nutrient instead of a complete multivitamin.
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Whole Foods: Natures Multivitamin And Multi
Before ending this, we also wanted to give you a jumpstart on the foods you should include in addition to your supplements. After all, most medical and nutrition experts agree that the best way to get the vitamins and minerals we need is through a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as nuts, meat, eggs, fish, and dairy. Essentially, you want a wide variety of food groups to ensure proper nutrition and that you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Below is a recommended selection of nutrient-dense foods for your consideration:
Benefits Of Multivitamin For Seniors:
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One A Day Proactive 65+ Mens & Womens Multivitamin Supplement With Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin D And Zinc For Immune Health Support* Calcium Folic Acid & More 150 Count
- Adults over 65 should take 2 tablets daily, with food
- Formulated to support cell health, heart health, healthy blood pressure, bone health, and physical energy by helping convert food to fuel
- Allergen Information: Gluten Free
- One A Day Proactive 65+ is gluten free and does not contain artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Contains key nutrients such as Vitamins B6, B12, and D, as well as Calcium and Magnesium
Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Ultra Vitamin Liquid Multivitamin Supplement
Because this liquid is made of a liposomal formulation , it can be beneficial for those with malabsorptive conditions or gut health issues, says Elliot Dinetz, M.D., a functional medicine doctor and Forbes Health Advisory Board member who recommends this supplement. This multivitamin provides core nutrients at competitively high doses while also incorporating phospholipids, which are good for nervous system health, he adds.
- Contains milk thistle, a liver-supporting antioxidant
- Contains carotenoids for eye health
- Soy-free and gluten-free
Best for No Added Iron
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Why Should I Supplement With Life Extension Daily Multivitamins
Customer: Life can be hectic. By the time I was finished with my day, I was feeling sluggish and rundown. I always take a multivitamin, but my doctor said I still wasn’t getting enough of the nutrients that I needed. With so many vitamins out there, I usually just grab the first one that catches my eye. But after doing some research, I found out they’re not all the same.
Dr Michael Smith: Generic multivitamins like Centrum really only provide the basic daily recommendations that your body needs to avoid deficiencies. But when you choose Life Extensions daily multivitamins, you’ll be getting the ideal amounts of vitamins, minerals, and health promoting nutrients, not just those minimum amounts.
Customer: I like that Life Extension products are tested by independent researchers. Then they share the results. Who does that?
Dr Michael Smith: In fact, Life Extensions One-Per-Day or Two-Per-Day Multivitamins deliver potent formulas. So you’ll be getting the additional health benefits from vital ingredients. From increasing your energy levels with more vitamin B-one, or supporting your immune health with more vitamin C.
Customer: I chose Two-Per-Day Multivitamin because it fits right into my schedule. After I made the switch, my energy levels are up and I’m feeling more like myself and that’s the me I really want everyone to see.
Vitamin D for healthy minds and bodies
Vitamin C for immune health, arterial health and more
B vitamins help maintain youthful metabolism