Do Older People Need to Take Multi-Vitamins?
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Health & Fitness > Nutrition
Jun 15, 2007
Do Older People Need to Take Multi-Vitamins?
Some people are under the impression that multi-vitamins aren't really beneficial - especially for seniors. But, most people don't eat the balanced diet that they should. Seniors, especially if they live alone, don't usually eat anywhere near the diet that they should. Taking a multi-vitamin is very beneficial to everyone. Vitamins are safe and effective in preventing vitamin or mineral deficiencies. These days, everyone is so busy that it makes it difficult for them to get their nutritional requirements from what they eat. When at work, they eat at restaurants or snack. And, we all know that restaurants are not known for their small portion sizes! As people get older, their bodies accumulate plaque in their arteries as a natural part of aging. Just think of all of the fat that those huge restaurant portions will contribute. Stress also causes strain on the body and a person's menu choices. A lot of people eat as a solution to an "empty" feeling that they may have. Lonely seniors are especially prone to using food to fill up that emptiness. Others may just skip meals because they don't feel like eating or like cooking a meal for themselves. Older people do not get the exercise they need to keep their bodies fit. As they age, they get more tired and they believe that it's just not worth the time. Since most of us do not eat the nutritionally-sound foods that we should in our meals, we should be taking multi-vitamins to supplement the few vitamins that the foods that we do eat provide. So, what kinds of vitamins should we be taking? Doctors usually recommend a multi-vitamin that meets recommended daily allowances. If there is a health problem such as osteoporosis, he or she might recommend additional calcium. You don't have to worry about "over-dosing" with the B-vitamins and C-vitamins. They are water soluble so the body just flushes them out through the normal body urine elimination process. The body will store excess amounts of fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A and D. Levels that are slightly higher than the recommended daily allowances shouldn't cause a problem but going way over the recommended daily allowances may cause health problems. A doctor or nutritionist will give you specific guidelines to the vitamins you should take in additional to your regular meals. You don't have to buy multi-vitamins at a pharmacy. They are also sold in grocery stores and even in department stores. Vitamins are available in tablet and liquid forms. You may want to purchase the liquid form if you have trouble swallowing pills. Choose a more popular brand since they are more likely to have the nutrients needed. Who knows what is in some of the off-the-wall brands. Don't be afraid to take multi-vitamins. The benefits far out-weigh the problems of not having the nutrients that your body needs.
Jude Wright is an author and webmistress of multiple websites. Visit her Nutritious-Cooking.com site for nutrition information, healthy recipes and meal plans.
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