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We get nutrients from our daily meals. Through food, we get the energy we need for all our daily activities. Having good nutrition is an all-important aspect of our health and wellbeing. But as we age, things become different and given our busy schedules, it can sometimes be hard to access all the nutritious we should be eating. This is where supplements come in.
Why take supplements?
People take supplements for different reasons: they could be vitamin-deficient, on a restricted diet, with targeted nutrients that work towards supporting their health goals. Or they could simply be proactive when it comes to their health.
These dietary supplements can actually benefit our overall health and wellbeing by helping us meet our daily requirements of essential nutrients. Calcium and vitamin D, for instance, help build strong bones while fibre helps maintain bowel regularity and healthy digestion. [1]
The supplements we need
Nutritional needs vary as people age. What works for people in their 20’s may not necessarily benefit them several years after. Tens of thousands of dietary supplements are available for everyone and it would be difficult to choose which among them will be most beneficial to us.
So, which among those supplements do we actually need? The answer is: it depends on your specific nutritional needs and your age.
When you’re in your 20’s
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Twenty-somethings are considered to be in their prime and are always on-the-go. At this age, we tend to think we can handle whatever the world hurls at us. But what we don’t know is that we often need more energy and immune support to keep up with our daily activities.
To give us the energy we need, iron is needed. [2] This mineral is usually present in foods such as red meat, poultry and spinach. But to aid the body in absorbing necessary iron, Vitamin C is required.
When we don’t get enough iron and Vitamin C in foods, taking supplements will help. For one, NOW Foods Vitamin C-1000 supplements is specially formulated to provide a sustained release of Vitamin C and includes rose hips as an added source of Vitamin C. It is also a highly-effective antioxidant that can protect the body's cells and molecules against free radicals and reactive oxygen molecules generated during normal metabolism and exposure to environmental stressors.
When you’re in your 30’s
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When we’re in our thirties, our metabolism and absorption of nutrients slows down, hence it’s easy for us to go overweight during this stage. Our daily activities and routine change as well, and with it, our nutritional needs. To help us cope with these changes, we can take Vitamin D, Omega-3, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and protein supplements. Protein helps in healthy muscle growth and can keep us full for hours. [3]
NOW Certified Organic Whey Protein is a natural whey protein that is concentrated from organic milk, which is produced without the use of synthetic growth hormones (rBGH), antibiotics, or pesticides. This supplement is ideal for active individuals seeking the most natural and wholesome milk protein for themselves and their families.
When you’re in your 40’s
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Many say that life begins at 40, and the same is true for arthritis. Well, as funny as that may seem, our body experiences significant changes when we grow older, that’s why it is essential to keep our heart, brain and skin healthy at this stage. Taking omega-3 fatty acids is vital during these years. [4]
NOW Ultra Omega 3-D is a potent omega-3 formula, with 600 mg EPA and 300 mg DHA per softgel. It also provides 1,000 IU vitamin D-3. Reducing the risk of lifestyle and long-term diseases is the main goal at this age, and taking this supplement may help reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as coronary heart disease.
When you’re in your 50’s
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Reaching the age of 50 is a significant milestone for many. Unfortunately, this is also a time where nutrition becomes all the more important in our healthy journey. As we age, we experience an increased risk for serious illnesses such as chronic disease, weakened bones (such as in osteoporosis), malnutrition, etc. [5] This is why calcium is a key mineral for bone health, nerve function, and heart and muscle contraction for anyone at this age.
NOW Magnesium & Calcium tablets provide higher levels of magnesium for those who desire the nerve, muscle, and bone supporting effects of this essential mineral.
When you’re in your 60’s (and above)
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Surely, many of us hope to age gracefully and still have the strength even in our senior years. However, our fitness goals oftentimes remain merely as goals. Why is that? Perhaps at this age, goals become a little bit more difficult due to our natural limitations.
As we get older, our ability to get sufficient nutrients from food becomes limited since there are now changes to our digestive system. Our stomach’s acid levels deplete, our bowels become more prone to irritation, and we may even develop lactose intolerance. [6]
NOW Digest Ultimate is a potent proprietary combination of digestive enzymes that help to optimise nutrient absorption by assisting in the breakdown of protein, carbohydrate, and fat, as well as dairy, grains, and indigestible fibers found in foods such as vegetables and beans.
Supplements as complements
As we age, our body inevitably undergoes various hormonal and physiological changes we increasingly cannot control, hence our nutritional needs have to be adjusted accordingly. Since we can’t get all the needed nutrients in our diet, many of us rely on supplements, and for every person, the needed supplements will depend on their age, lifestyle, food habits and other factors.
It’s best to be discerning when planning to take these products. Perhaps one may consult first with their health coach or doctor, or even contact the supplement manufacturer for more information on their products.
References:
[1] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements
[2] https://www.livestrong.com/article/281080-vitamins-to-take-in-your-20s/
[3] https://www.gqindia.com/look-good/content/what-supplements-you-should-take-according-to-your-age
[4] https://qualityoflife.net/blogs/news/supplements-you-need-for-every-age-group
[5] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-eating-50s-60s#nutrients-foods